Toro

Toro is located at the far west of Castilla y Leon. The growth there is phenomenal, in 1998 there were only 8 bodegas. Just two years later it had 25, and by 2006 it had 40. The local strain of Tempranillo, Tinto de Toro, provides a good wine. Traditionally many bodegas of note in Rioja or Ribera del Duero had been looking at Toro for expansion, but it was only when Vega Sicilia announced their plans to establish a bodega there to produce Pintia then its status was finalized. Other high-profile investors include Alejandro Fernandez and Mariano Garcia. Many others outside Spain also followed suit, with the Lurton brothers of Bordeaux and Bordeaux negociant Mahler Besse.

The key to Toro’s quality is its altitude. At 600-750m the growers can depend on cool nights to ‘fix’ the color and flavor ripened during the torrid summers on the red clay and sandy soils. The average age of the vines is relatively high and most are grown as individual bushvines, spaced as far as 3m apart, with a record low density, due to the low rainfall.

Some of the vines are vinified quickly by carbonic maceration and sold young and juicy. But the great majority is aged in oak, for at least 12 months. The deep crimson, very fruity wine receive so much admiration that Tinto de Toro is now planted in other parts of Spain. Garnacha is also planted, sometimes blended with Tinto de Toro, and there is a little Malvasia and Verdejo for some full-bodied white wines.

Wine: Bodegas San Roman

Region / Country: Toro Spain

Vintage: 2006

Grape: 100% Tinto de Toro

ABV: 14.5%                

Price: HK$338

Tasting Date: 10 December 2011

Wineshark Score: 91

Opaque ruby with purple rims, this Toro wine has a fairly intense and developing nose of blackberry, vanilla, smoke, cream, white pepper, cedar and raspberry. Medium acidity and tannin that is velvety, the wine has a fairly high alcohol level and close to full body, with intense flavors of blackberry, vanilla, strawberry, oak and smoke. Overall of very good quality, the nose and palate are both intense and complex, fully exhibiting the ripeness of the grapes, and with a good balance between the fruit and the new oak used to mature the wine. A good length accompanies the finish and makes it highly enjoyable. Ready to drink now and can be further developed for another 3-5 years.