2022 Bodegas Marta Maté, Marta Maté

Marta Maté is a boutique producer based in the Ribera del Duero, working vineyards in the village of Tubilla del Lago at over 900 meters above sea level. Their philosophy is all about precision and respect for the land: organic practices, careful vineyard management, and small-scale winemaking. The result is wines that combine Ribera’s natural richness with freshness and finesse from the high altitude and varied soils. Marta Maté has plenty of depth and polish, made from organically grown old vine Tempranillo (100 +years! ) at high-altitude vineyards. It is s a serious but very approachable style of Ribera — rich enough to satisfy lovers of powerful Spanish reds, but with freshness and balance that keep everything in check. Fourteen months in French oak adds texture and spice without overwhelming the fruit. The nose is full of dark cherry, blackberry and plum alongside notes of clove, vanilla, graphite and subtle smoky oak. On the palate it’s smooth, concentrated and silky, with ripe black fruit, gentle spice and fine tannins carrying through to a long, savoury finish. A really impressive Ribera del Duero that combines power with elegance, and a great match for roast lamb, grilled steak or slow-cooked dishes. I