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Winemaker: Pilar Pérez Albéniz and sons, Ricardo and Vicente
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Farming: Certified Biodynamic (Demeter-certified since 2015)
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Variety: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Merlot
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Terroir: Sourced from five distinct parcels characterized by round river stones ("cantos") and diverse soils shaped by the erosion and sedimentation of the Duero River; vines average over 40 years in age
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Vinification: Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete tanks; partial fermentation and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels; 16 months of aging in French oak barrels (25% second use), from the estate's own cooperage; clarified with fresh, natural egg whites and lightly filtered before bottling
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Aging: 16 months in 225L French oak barrels (25% second use)
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Tasting Note: Los Cantos De Torremilanos is a beautifully structured wine with a deep ruby color, offering complex aromas of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it’s well-balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. The influence of the river stones in the vineyard adds a distinct minerality and depth to the wine, making it a true expression of the Ribera del Duero terroir.
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Scores: 90 pts, James Suckling; 92 pts, Wine Advocate
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Pairing Suggestions: Perfect with roasted meats, hearty stews, and legume-based dishes. Enjoy it best with good company, served at 15-17°C.
From our 2024 Explore Like A Somm Bottle Club:
Finca Torremilanos Los Cantos De Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2020
Founded in 1903, Finca Torremilanos is one of the oldest estates in Ribera del Duero. This family-run estate, led by the esteemed Pilar Pérez Albéniz and her sons Ricardo and Vicente, has significantly shaped the identity of the Ribera del Duero region. Spanning 200 hectares (nearly 500 acres) in Aranda de Duero, the estate benefits from diverse microclimates influenced by the confluence of Atlantic and Mediterranean airflows and the sedimentary deposits of the Duero River. These conditions create an ideal environment for growing Tempranillo, the dominant grape variety in the region.
Ribera del Duero is located further inland and at a higher altitude than its Tempranillo-dominant neighbor, Rioja, experiencing more extreme temperature variations, with hotter summers and colder winters. This climate produces Tempranillo with thicker skins and higher tannins, giving Ribera del Duero wines a more robust structure and often a greater aging potential compared to the often softer, more fruit-forward wines of Rioja.
Los Cantos De Torremilanos is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Merlot, sourced from five distinct parcels characterized by their round river stones (cantos) and diverse clay-limestone-sand soils. These stones, which retain heat, influence the wine’s structure and contribute to its complex aromatic profile. The vines, averaging over 40 years in age, produce concentrated and expressive fruit that forms the backbone of this wine. The family’s dedication to quality is evident in their commitment to hand-harvest the fruit, ferment with only indigenous yeasts, and farm completely sustainably—Finca Torremilanos was the first estate in Ribera del Duero to achieve Demeter-certified biodynamic status!
After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 16 months in neutral French oak barrels, with 25% of the barrels being second use. This careful aging process imparts subtle oak influences, enhancing the wine's balance and sophistication without overpowering the fruit. The wine is well-structured with a deep ruby color, offering aromas of blackberries and plums, plus subtle notes of spice and freshly turned earth. On the palate, it is full-bodied with silky tannins and a long, elegant, and distinctively mineral finish, no doubt thanks to the many cantos, or river stones, in the vineyard.
Consider enjoying this with Manchego cheese made from sheep's milk and some Jamón Iberico, or with braised short rib topped with a deep, chocolatey mole sauce, lamb shawarma with pickled vegetables and yogurt sauce, or Morcilla de Burgos, a flavorful blood sausage with roasted peppers traditionally served in Ribera del Duero. —Cara Patricia, September 2024
