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Description

Discover the essence of Ribera del Duero with this exceptional Crianza from Bodegas Protos, a winery whose name, derived from the Greek for 'first', speaks to its pioneering legacy as the first established winery in this prestigious region. This wine is a masterful expression of 100% Tempranillo, locally known as Tinta del País, sourced from carefully selected plots of vines averaging 30 to 35 years in age. The craft behind this bottle is meticulous, featuring a sophisticated maturation process: 14 months of aging in a precise blend of new French oak, one-year-old French and American oak, and two-year-old French and American oak barrels, followed by at least 12 months of refinement in the bottle. The result is a wine of remarkable balance and intensity. On the nose, it offers a high aromatic intensity with ripe blackberry and plum fruit seamlessly integrated with sweet spice, vanilla, and pleasant toasted notes from the oak. On the palate, it is enveloping, flavorful, and structured, showcasing concentrated dark fruit balanced by fine, polished tannins that provide an elegant grip without being harsh. The finish is medium-long and satisfying, lingering with notes of dark fruit, cocoa, and sweet spice. This Crianza is a versatile and classic companion for a wide array of culinary delights. It pairs beautifully with hearty roasted meats—such as lamb or suckling pig—braised dishes like ossobuco, Iberian ham, or aged Manchego cheese. Whether you are hosting a romantic dinner or seeking the perfect bottle to elevate a cozy evening, this Protos Crianza is a benchmark expression that represents the soul and terroir of Ribera del Duero. We highly recommend decanting it for about 30 minutes before serving at 16–18°C to allow its full complexity and aromatic profile to unfold.