Tinto Pesquera Ribera Del Duero Crianza 2022
A benchmark expression of Ribera del Duero, made entirely from Tempranillo by one of the producers that helped establish the region's international reputation.
Rich, structured and beautifully polished, it delivers ripe blackberry, strawberry and dark cherry alongside liquorice, vanilla, toasted spice and subtle balsamic notes from American oak ageing.
The palate is generous yet fresh, with silky fruit, persistent tannins and enough structure to develop further in bottle.
For drinkers who enjoy Rioja but want something darker, richer and more powerful, Pesquera is a superb introduction to the distinctive style of Ribera del Duero and a Spanish red with genuine pedigree and ageing potential
Tinto Pesquera was founded by Alejandro Fernández and Esperanza Rivera in the village of Pesquera de Duero. The estate became one of the pioneering names of modern Ribera del Duero, demonstrating the exceptional quality that could be achieved from the region's local expression of Tempranillo, commonly known as Tinto Fino.
The Crianza is produced from 100% Tempranillo, with fruit sourced from vineyards around Pesquera de Duero. The area's high elevation, warm days and much cooler nights help Tempranillo achieve excellent ripeness while preserving the acidity required to balance its naturally concentrated fruit and tannins.
For the 2022, traditional vinification is followed by approximately 12 months in American oak barrels, with further maturation in bottle before release. The oak adds characteristic vanilla, toast and spice while allowing the ripe fruit to remain at the heart of the wine.
Tinto Pesquera Crianza is a medium- to full-bodied, dry red that's rich and powerful while remaining smooth and polished. Expect plenty of ripe blackberry and dark cherry, together with vanilla, spice and a touch of liquorice.
Think of it as a bigger, darker alternative to Rioja Crianza. Both are based around Tempranillo, but Ribera del Duero typically gives you more concentration, darker fruit and firmer structure.
If you enjoy Rioja Reserva, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, but want something with the savoury character and elegance of a premium Spanish red, Pesquera is an excellent choice.
- Nose: Intense and inviting, with ripe strawberry, blackberry and dark fruit accompanied by liquorice, vanilla, balsamic notes and warm spice.
- Palate: Rich and silky with generous red and black fruit, well-integrated acidity and persistent tannins. Vanilla, roasted notes, liquorice and spice from the American oak add complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
- Finish: Long, fresh and persistent, with lingering blackberry, liquorice, spice and subtle toasted oak.
- Grilled Ribeye Steak – Rich beef is an ideal match for its concentrated fruit and tannins.
- Roast Lamb – A classic Spanish pairing; the wine's spice and structure complement the richness beautifully.
- Slow-Cooked Beef – Deep savoury flavours work perfectly with its dark fruit and oak.
- Chargrilled Pork – Smoky flavours bring out the wine's toasted and spicy character.
- Chorizo & Cured Meats – The fresh acidity balances rich, salty charcuterie.
- Mature Manchego – Firm, nutty cheese complements its fruit, tannins and oak.
- Serve at 16–18°C – Slightly below room temperature keeps the fruit fresh and balanced.
- Decant for 30–60 minutes – Particularly worthwhile while the 2022 remains youthful.
- Use a large red wine glass – Gives the dark fruit, spice and oak aromas room to develop.
- Drink now or cellar – Enjoyable now after aeration, but its firm structure gives it good potential for further bottle development. The 2022 has been assessed as capable of ageing into the early 2030s.
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom