Áster El Espino is a single-plot Ribera del Duero from Bodegas Áster, La Rioja Alta's estate in Anguix, Burgos — intense ruby with a purple rim, high-intensity nose of forest fruits, redcurrant, cranberries, and plum intermingled with ground coffee, liquorice, and sweet peppers, fresh and balanced in the mouth with soft, delicate tannins and a sinewy, rounded finish.
Tasting Notes
Intense ruby colour with a purple-pink rim and bright robe. High-intensity nose of forest fruits — redcurrant, cranberries, blackberry, and plum — intermingled with light aromas from barrel ageing: ground coffee, liquorice, and sweet peppers. Fresh, balanced, and vibrant in the mouth with good body thanks to soft, delicate tannins. The finish is fresh and sinewy, nicely rounded with a very pleasant close. Selected for aroma and fruit intensity from the El Espino parcel at 800m elevation in Anguix. Aged 12 months in 20% new and 80% used French oak.
Quick Facts
- Grape: 100% Tinta del País (Tempranillo)
- Origin: Spain, Ribera del Duero, Anguix, Burgos (El Espino parcel, 7.9ha, loamy-sandy soils, 800m elevation)
- Style: Dry red, single-plot, 12 months French oak (20% new)
- Winemaking: Hand-harvested in 20kg boxes, optical sorting, cold maceration, 12 months in French oak (20% new, 80% used), 2 manual rackings
Food Pairing
Pasta, rice dishes, light meats, fish, and sushi. A versatile Ribera del Duero suited to a wider range of dishes than its structure suggests.
Serving
Serve at 16°C. Open 15 minutes before serving. Will age 8 to 10 years.
About the Producer
La Rioja Alta is one of the founding wineries of the Rioja appellation, established in 1890 in Haro and still producing wines of exceptional quality and classical style from Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano.
