Ausàs Ribera del Duero Interpretación 2020

Ausàs Ribera del Duero Interpretación is a village-blended Tempranillo from Xavier Ausàs, long the technical director at Vega Sicilia.

Ribera del Duero runs along the Duero river on the high Castilian plateau, where big day-night temperature swings hold acidity in thick-skinned Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino. Interpretación is and remains 100% Tempranillo, drawn from a handful of villages Ausàs has singled out. Moradillo de Roa, his highest source at 950 metres, brings power, freshness and structure; the white blanqueros soils of Roa de Duero give a chalky sensation and minerality; the clay of Gumiel del Mercado supplies fruit generosity and acidity; and the stony ground of Nava de Roa at 700 metres adds lift, a site he bought in 2020 and which now makes up 40% of the blend. Where much of Ribera still leans on new barrels, the oak here is restrained: a cold soak, fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and concrete, then fourteen months in French oak, only 30% new, half in 225-litre casks and half in 500-litre demi-muids. Parcels are vinified separately and blended just before an unfiltered bottling.

Give it a decant now or cellar it for a decade; it suits roast lamb, grilled beef or aged Manchego. Serve at 16–18°C.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.