Pepe Yllera Ribera del Duero Tinto '20

Located in northern Spain, west of the winemaking region of Rioja, Ribera del Duero is among the most extreme continental climates in the country, making viticulture a considerable challenge. Founded in the early 1970s by two brothers, Jesús and Pepe Yllera, Bodegas Yllera is now in its sixth generation of family winegrowers. The “Pepe Yllera” bottling, a Tempranillo-Cabernet blend, is a tribute to the winery’s founder and made with the assistance of Jean-Claude Berrouet, a French winemaker known for his work at Château Petrus and Dominus Estate.

The 2020 is a blend of 81% tempranillo, 18% cabernet sauvignon, and 1% merlot, from vines that range in age from 15 to 50 years old. The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel vats, with daily pump-overs carried out. The wine is aged for ten months in 225- and 500-liter barrels and amphorae.

Notes of ripe black cherry, plum, currant, and blackberry are layered with notes of cedar, vanilla, and toasted brown baking spices. The boldness of the fruit is matched by robust tannins and a long finish, making this a great wine to pair with grilled meats, particularly steak or sausage.