VivaltuS 2020

The 2020 Vivaltus was produced with a blend of 97% Tempranillo and 3% Merlot from old vines in the villages of La Aguilera, Fuentenebro, Moradillo de Roa, Anguix and, for the first time this year, also Atauta in search of freshness. The uncrushed grapes from each vineyard were moved by gravity to the tanks, where they fermented with selected neutral yeasts, with soft pump-overs, aiming for a silky tannin texture. Malolactic was also in stainless steel, and the wines aged in barrels, 15% of them new, and 5% in amphorae. There’s depth and creaminess, and the wine is serious and fine-boned with very fine tannins and a chalky feel. It’s integrated, seamless and powerful, with elegance. It comes in at 14.1% alcohol, with a pH of 3.76 and 5.05 grams of acidity. This is a classical and serious red with balance and stuffing to develop nicely in bottle. 17,147 bottles, 1,000 magnums and 102 double magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2022.

The 2020 Vivaltus from Ribera del Duero was aged for up to 12 months in barrels and amphorae. From a vintage with sufficient rainfall, the 2020 delivers nuanced elegance. The nose is slightly reductive, combining wild herbs, red and black fruit, and delicate lavender. The palate is smooth, with fine, lightly gripping tannins and exceptional depth of flavor. A lightly mentholated finish adds complexity. Layered and supremely refined.

Unique with spot-on extraction. Expect a mineral profile with savory plums, blue fruit and dark cherries. Not a beast but a nuanced, medium-bodied and evenly packed red with etched tannins that are not overpowering. Rather chalky and long in the finish. A new-look Ribera del Duero that’s quite poised and effortless. Such restraint. Drink or hold.