Teso la Monja Alabaster is a prodigious and historic wine. Toro has some of Spain's oldest vines, including a few that escaped the scourge of Phylloxera and have been growing, ungrafted, on their own roots for well over a century. Alabaster is the fruit of vines planted before 1915. Truly ancient vines, as well as Toro's arid climate (half Rioja's rainfall) means an infinitesimal crop, so this is a vanishingly rare wine. Keeping such unproductive vines in the ground instead of replanting means the wine is inevitably expensive. Is it worth it? Oh yes! It has utterly extraordinary, deeply black-fruited character, nestled in sumptuous French oak. The tannin texture is like treading barefoot on luxurious, deep-pile carpet. Though massive, concentrated and succulent, it also boasts vibrant acidity that stands it in good stead for cellaring. That said, it doesn't require ageing - decanted, this is hugely impressive now.
Alabaster
Teso la Monja
Single
£180.00
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Winemaking
Hand picked, hand destemmed and crushed by foot, with additional pigeage also carried out by foot make this a truly hand made wine. All this takes place in open wooden vats upon where the wine is subsequently aged for 18 months in new french oak
Press Review
97/100 - Lastly, the 2021 Alabaster pushes on the price and is 100% Tinta de Toro coming from three separate sites of very old vines. It's easily the biggest wine in the lineup, yet as with everything here, it stays light on its feet and balanced. Beautiful black fruits, cassis, jammy cherries, classy oak, graphite, lead pencil, and tobacco are just some of its nuances, and this rich, full-bodied, concentrated wine stays flawlessly balanced, has silky tannins, and a great finish.
Press Review
95/100 - Deep and rich but fresh nose with lots of depth and complexity. Mexican chocolate, espresso, blackberries and a touch of tar. Broad and full-bodied. Fresh and structured, but also fine-veined an svelte. Drink now or hold.
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Product Specification
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ColourRed
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CountrySpain
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RegionCastilla y León
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Sub RegionToro
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StyleMedium to Full Bodied
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ClosureNatural Cork
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SKUH4106121
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Alcohol %14.5%
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GrapeTempranillo
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Unit Volume75cl