2022 Teso la Monja Almirez

The Spanish winery Teso La Monja is located in the Toro. The winery heralds a new era for the Eguren family in DO Toro, a land from which she fell in love with the capacity of the old pre-phylloxera vines. Teso La Monja was founded in 2007. Wines that bring the potential of the Tinta de Toro with elegance, finesse and freshness, shared by all wines of the Eguren family attributes. The Almirez, Victorino and also the great Romanico (unprecedented good value for money in our opinion) are invariably 90+ Parker and Penin wines. Not surprising knowing that the Eguren family is also behind the Alabaster cult wine.

The Teso La Monja winery is located on north-facing loam soils with gravel on the surface, providing longer vegetative cycles for achieving balanced, powerful yet elegant wines that convey the maximum potential of soil minerality.

Toro is a renowned wine region in Spain, recognized for producing robust and full-bodied red wines, primarily from the Tempranillo grape variety. Toro is situated in the northwest part of Spain, within the larger Castilla y León autonomous community. The region is positioned along the Duero River, which is a significant waterway in the Iberian Peninsula.

More information about Toro

Toro experiences a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The climate contributes to the ripening of grapes and the development of intense flavors in the wines. Toro wines are known for their power, concentration, and structure. They often exhibit rich dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and plum. The wines have a high alcohol content and notable tannins, making them suitable for aging.

The vineyards in Toro are typically planted at higher altitudes, which can contribute to the preservation of acidity in the grapes and add complexity to the wines. Traditional dry-farming techniques are often employed, and some old, ungrafted vines contribute to the character of the wines. Toro has its own Denominación de Origen (DO), a designation that ensures certain standards for grape growing and winemaking practices are met.

The DO regulations outline specific requirements regarding grape varieties, yields, and aging processes. The Toro region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to Roman times. The local wine industry flourished in the Middle Ages, and Toro wines gained popularity both locally and internationally.

While Toro has a rich history, in recent years, the region has experienced a renaissance with a focus on quality winemaking. Some producers have adopted modern techniques to enhance wine quality while respecting traditional practices.

What grapes are used in Toro?

Toro is a wine region in Spain known for its red wines, particularly those made from the Tempranillo grape variety. The region is located in the province of Zamora, within the larger Castilla y León wine region. The climate in Toro is generally continental, with hot summers and cold winters, and the vineyards are often planted at high altitudes.

The primary grape variety used in Toro wines is Tempranillo, known locally as "Tinta de Toro." This grape is a thick-skinned, dark-colored variety that imparts rich flavors and intense color to the wines. The hot and arid climate of Toro, along with the old vines that are commonly found in the region, contributes to the concentration and ripeness of the grapes.

Toro wines are characterized by their bold and robust nature, with deep fruit flavors, high tannins, and a good amount of acidity. The aging process, often done in oak barrels, adds complexity and additional layers of flavor to the wines. It's not uncommon to find Toro wines with high alcohol content, given the warm climate that promotes grape ripening.

In recent years, Toro wines have gained recognition for their quality and distinctive style, attracting wine enthusiasts who appreciate powerful and full-bodied red wines. When exploring wines from Toro, you can expect to encounter expressions of Tempranillo that showcase the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of this Spanish wine region.

What about Toro's subregions?

Toro, a wine region in Spain, did not have officially recognized subregions within its Denominación de Origen (DO). The primary focus in Toro has traditionally been on the production of red wines made primarily from the Tempranillo grape variety, known locally as Tinta de Toro.

The Tempranillo grape originally comes from the Rioja region in Spain. With its thick skin, the Tempranillo produces wines with a deep color and little alcohol. It is striking that Tempranillo wines can be stored for a long time without much loss of color. Around 80% of the total production of the Tempranillo grape is grown in Spain!

A Worldwide Spread Grape

Tempranillo is widely planted in regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Valdepeñas, Navarra, Costers del Segre and along the Mediterranean coast. The grape gets its name from the fact that it ripens early - "temprano" means 'early' in Spanish. In addition to Spain, the grape can also be found in Portugal, where it is known as tinta roriz or aragonez, and even in Argentina, where it goes by the name Tempranilla.

The Unique Taste of Tempranillo

Wines made from the Tempranillo grape generally have a fruity and smooth taste, including red and dark fruits such as cherries, plums and blackberries, along with secondary notes of tobacco, leather, vanilla and spices. The flavor profile can vary depending on factors such as terroir, climate and winemaking techniques. The Tempranillo grape produces wines with lots of color and structure that can mature well in wood. The wines go well with Spanish dishes such as tapas, grilled meat, paella and cured meats. Its moderate acidity and tannins make it an easily adaptable wine to many dishes.

Explore Our Tempranillo Collection

At Grandcruwijnen we have a huge range of wines made from the Tempranillo grape. Discover the variety of flavors and styles from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where Tempranillo is the main grape. Enjoy the accessibility and richness of Tempranillo wines, both pure and blended, which pair perfectly with different dishes and occasions.