Convento San Francisco Crianza

Many great wine stories aim toshowcase the local terroir of a single,special vineyard, telling the story ofthat particular place. In the case ofConvento San Francisco, asurprisingly young wine project(established in 1998), winemakerRaquel Acebes works to tell adifferent story. The nearly 50 plots ofTempranillo and a small amount ofMerlot are grown all over the region,on varying combinations of the threemain soil types of Ribera del Duero.The vines range in age from 20 to100+ years old, with almost 50%untouched by phylloxera. Theamount of wine released byConvento SF depends on the qualityof the harvest, never purchasing fruitfrom other vineyards. The vision is toportray the unique soul of Ribera inits entirety, rather than just one plot.There is an unmistakable sense of soilin these wines. It is also a trueexpression of the balance of graceand power that exemplifies Riberadel Duero, made only better withtime, through extended aging inbottle.This wine is full in body, with softeredges due to its age. Bold and firmwhen first opened, it hints at deep,dark blackberry fruit and tobacco.With air, more sweet dark fruits comeforward. The palate is firm, withexcellent structure, minerals & firm,chalky tannins. Wonderful balanceof fruit, minerals and soil, whichopens up to a generous, wellstructured palate.