Mélida, Párpados Ribera del Duero 2021

A Fresher Face of Ribera: Párpados 2021 is the entry red from Mélida Wines, a primary, fruit driven Tempranillo with very fine chalky tannins and an elegant, silky feel, made to enjoy now rather than in the heavy, oaky style the region is known for High Altitude Vineyards: Around 90% of the fruit comes from a hillside in Olmedillo de Roa at 860 metres and the rest from a high plateau plot in Moradillo de Roa at 985 metres, on limestone rich soils with vines more than 25 years old A Light Touch in the Cellar: Picked by hand in early October in one of the cooler recent vintages, fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, then rested in used oak so the vineyard leads; only 10,000 bottles made, bottled in December 2022 Made by Two Sister Winemakers: Mélida Wines is a small, family run project from the village of Mélida, close to Peñafiel, led by oenologist sisters Miriam and Silvia; Párpados means eyelids in Spanish, a nod to the dreams they set out to bottle Tasting and Serving: Plum, dark cherry, forest berries and violet, with fresh acidity, a hint of sweet oak spice and a floral finish; serve at around 16°C with roast lamb, grilled steak or aged cheese; 75cl, 14% ABV, Contains sulphites