This Spanish red is made from 100% Tinto de Toro—a grape variety I had never heard of before. Naturally, I bought a bottle.
The bottle contains a high-quality natural solid cork. The wine pours with a medium-ruby colour that has a dark core but that otherwise looks lighter than most Tempranillo-based reds, for contrast.
A shy nose reveals some light redcurrant fruit and a faint hint of herbs. The wine's structure is entirely vertical: bright, crisp acidity, is held in firm check by tight, strong tannins. There is very little "breadth"; everything is driven by acidity and tannin.
"At least 10 months in French oak" makes the finish lightly spicy, with good subtle woody replays. That's it. This is a wine that you want to serve with lush, fatty meats—the tight and cleansing texture will clean your palate like a laser beam.
Toro Denominación de Origen. 14.5% alc./vol. $17 at Vintages.
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