Tarsus Reserva

The vineyard estate belonging to Bodegas Tarsus, in the Ribera del Duero denomination, is divided up into twenty-one parcels which undergo their own individual and specific supervision depending upon the characteristics of the soil, the variety and the orientation of each plot of land. Showing a clear commitment to the indigenous Tinta del País (Tempranillo) variety, grown in the majority (82 ha) of the estate's vineyards, the winery has also set aside a small parcel (4 ha) for the French-born Cabernet Sauvignon with the aim of using it to enhance the ageing of wines for long-term cellaring.

Under the directives of winemaker Teresa Rodríguez, Tarsus Reserva, the winery's flagship, is made using grapes from the three best parcels of the Navamayor plantation (98% Tinta del País and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon), where the winery's oldest vineyards are located. After the grapes have been harvested at their optimal point of ripeness and the must has fermented for some 25-30 days, the wine experiences an ageing period of 16 months in French (80%) and American (20%) barrels, mostly new. Finally, before being released onto the market, the wine will mature and round off in bottle for a further 16 months in the bottling hall.

This results in a wine with a profound nose, which releases complex and intense aromas of ripe black fruit, spices, coffee and marked minerality. On the palate its entry is sweetish and it appears voluminous, robust, dense and meaty. With good acidity and polished and well-integrated tannins, it reveals expressive fruity and mineral notes which lead to a lovely persistent finish. An elegant and profound wine, with its own personality and an abundance of nuances which seem to multiply with each new tasting.