Ribera del Duero "Bancales del Sardal" Magna Vides, Pablo Arranz Sanz 2023

Pablo Arranz Sanz, Ribera del Duero

In 1999 Pablo Arranz Sanz took over several century-old vineyards belonging to Pablo’s family, located in the village of La Aguilera (Burgos), one of the most prestigious terroirs in Ribera del Duero. Large vines (magna vides, like small trees) overlook the Gromejón river valley.

Pablo Arranz Sanz identified more than 20 different varieties and work with grapes once considered difficult to ripen, such as pirulesas blancas, garnacha, monastrell, and bobal, among others. All of them complement tempranillo beautifully. he believe my grandfather planted them for a reason. Vinification jointly, with very careful soil management, and the result is spectacular, truly surprising. The main vineyards are located in the site known as El Sardal, a mosaic of sandy and clay soils over limestone, with north-facing slopes. One of these vineyards gives life to our wine Bancales del Sardal, planted in 1915 after the phylloxera, using genetic material recovered from vines that survived the plague. It’s a beautiful place with a unique mix of tinta fina and albillo mayor.

Complex yet engagingly pristine, with aromas of red fruit, flowers, mineral-etched citrus, fine spices and herbs. This is very juicy, textured and almost taut, with a medium to full body and fine tannins. Long and intense flavors, but there is little heft from fruit and extraction. The result is a precise, transparent and readily drinkable wine that highlights freshness and texture.

Grapes: 75% Tempranillo, 25% Albillo Mayor