2022 Telmo Rodriguez Pago la Jara

Winery

Compañía de Vinos Telmo Rodríguez is one of Spain's most influential wine projects. Telmo Rodríguez is known for its search for historic vineyards and forgotten terroirs, where authenticity and provenance always take center stage. Instead of representing a single region, the team works with exceptional vineyards spread across Spain. Pago La Jara is one of the house's most exclusive projects and is produced in very limited quantities. The wine demonstrates just how refined and terroir-driven Toro can be when old vines, low yields, and careful vineyard management come together. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

Pago La Jara is located in Toro, one of the oldest wine regions in Spain. The wine comes from four small plots within the historic Pago La Jara vineyard. The soil consists of poor sandy and gravelly soils that naturally limit yields. Many vines are old and deeply rooted, allowing them to find sufficient water and nutrients even during dry summers. Toro's continental climate is characterized by warm days and cool nights, resulting in a combination of ripe fruit and the preservation of freshness.

Grapes and vineyard management

The wine is made primarily from Tinta de Toro, the local variant of Tempranillo. In addition, the vineyard contains small quantities of Albillo Mayor, a traditional white grape that was historically often planted among the red vines. Yields are particularly low, resulting in high concentration and aromatic intensity. The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully selected. The emphasis is on preserving the identity of the vineyard and creating a wine that clearly reflects its origins.

Vinification and aging

After the harvest, the grapes are fermented in large wooden vats of approximately 3,000 liters. This fermentation method ensures gentle extraction and the preservation of aromatic finesse. Subsequently, the wine ages for about 18 months in large wooden foudres and carefully selected oak barrels. During this period, the wine undergoes sur lie aging, which adds extra depth, texture, and complexity. Through the use of large wooden barrels, the influence of the wood remains subtle and the character of the vineyard remains central.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a deep dark red color with purple reflections. On the nose, aromas of ripe black fruit, dark cherries, blackberries, and black olives dominate. Additionally, refined notes of violets, Mediterranean herbs, forest floor, and subtle earthy nuances are present. On the palate, the wine is powerful yet remarkably precise. The structure is full and layered, with ripe tannins providing length and elegance. Despite its concentration, the wine retains a striking freshness, ensuring it never feels heavy. The finish is long, mineral, and complex.

Style and character

Pago La Jara is among the most refined wines of Toro. While the region is sometimes known for powerful and muscular wines, Telmo Rodríguez opts for balance, precision, and terroir expression. The wine combines ripe fruit and concentration with freshness, tension, and finesse, creating a style that is both impressive and elegant. The wine displays power without excess and develops beautifully with additional bottle aging.

Volume

The 2022 vintage in Toro produced healthy grapes with excellent aromatic concentration. Thanks to low yields and old vines, a wine with great depth and structure could be produced. In 2022, the style of Pago La Jara remains true to its reputation: powerful yet refined, with a clear focus on balance and terroir. The wine is impressive even when young, but will continue to develop over the next fifteen to twenty years.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs excellently with grilled beef, Iberico pork, lamb dishes, and game. Dishes with mushrooms, truffles, or slow-cooked stews also complement the wine's depth beautifully. Moreover, thanks to its freshness and refined tannins, it remains elegant alongside rich dishes.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.