2021 Abadia Retuerta Seleccíon Especial

Abadía Retuerta Winery

Located on the banks of the Duero River, just outside the Ribera del Duero region, Abadía Retuerta is one of Castilla y León's leading wineries. The estate combines a centuries-old monastery with a modern, plot-based approach in the vineyard. All vineyards are certified organic, and since 2022, the winery has held its own Protected Designation of Origin. Abadía Retuerta is known for its meticulous vinification, where each plot is vinified individually.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Castilla y León and the 2021 vintage

The Abadía Retuerta vineyards enjoy a continental climate with Atlantic influences. Warm days and cool nights ensure a long growing season and even ripening of the grapes. The soils are diverse, consisting of limestone, sand, and clay, which contributes to the complexity and balance of the wines.

The 2021 vintage was relatively cool, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. Despite the alcohol levels reached, the grapes retained their aromatic freshness and depth. This resulted in wines with more tension and a pronounced aromatic profile.

The role of Selección Especial within the domain

Selección Especial is Abadía Retuerta's most recognizable and widely available wine. It is blended annually from the plots that performed best in that particular year. It is not a fixed blend, but a selection that reflects the estate's signature and the characteristics of the vintage.

This approach ensures consistency in quality and style, while leaving room for nuance and variation between vintages.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2021 Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial is composed of 62% Tempranillo, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 4% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. In this cooler vintage, the more Atlantic-oriented grape varieties play a greater role in the blend.

Tempranillo forms the base, providing structure and ripe fruit, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah add depth, spice, and tension. Merlot and Petit Verdot provide roundness and nuance.

Harvest and vinification

The grapes were harvested plot by plot, with each plot individually assessed for ripeness and quality. This method allows for targeted vinification per plot and preserves the characteristics of the soil and location.

Fermentation took place with a short maceration on the skins and without the use of pumps, which ensures a gentle extraction. This approach results in refined tannins and a balanced structure.

Maturation and wood use

After fermentation, the wine matured for twelve months in oak barrels. Approximately 55% of the barrels were French oak and 45% American oak, of which approximately 30% were new. This combination creates a good balance of structure, spice, and ripe fruit.

The wine has an alcohol content of 14.6% and was bottled in June 2023. A total of over 453,000 bottles were produced, making Selección Especial a permanent fixture in the estate's range.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby red color with purple reflections. The nose is rich and layered, with aromas of ripe cherry, black currant, and plum, complemented by spicy notes, subtle wood influences, and a light earthy nuance.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and balanced, with a firm yet well-integrated structure. The fruit is ripe and concentrated, while fresh acidity creates tension and drinkability. The tannins are refined and contribute to a long, harmonious finish.

Structure, style and drinking window

The 2021 Selección Especial convincingly combines power and elegance. The wine is approachable in its youth, yet has sufficient structure to develop further in the coming years.

Within its drinking window, the wine will show greater coherence and complexity, while retaining its fresh style and balance. This makes the wine versatile, both now and after several years of aging.

Summary of professional reviews

Luis Gutiérrez rates the 2021 Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 93 points, praising the balance of ripeness, aromatic depth, and elegance. He emphasizes the parcel-specific vinification, the gentle extraction, and the harmonious combination of power and finesse in this cooler vintage. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Would you like to order Abadía Retuerta wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

Grilled entrecote with herb butter complements the full structure and ripe fruit notes.

Oven-baked leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic pairs well with the spiciness and depth of the wine.

Beef stew with bay leaf and thyme enhances the balance between strength and elegance.

Grilled eggplant with lentils and spices works well with the earthy and spicy nuances.

Roasted chicken with paprika and thyme combines beautifully with the fresh acidity and juicy fruit.

Semi-hard cheeses such as Manchego curado or aged Gouda complement the length and structure of the finish.