Terreus Pago de Cueva Baja Mauro 2018

Mauro Terreus Pago de Cueva Baja 2018 is a mature, full-bodied Tempranillo red wine from Castilla y León in Spain. One of the finest vinos de pago (single-site) Tempranillos from the Castilla y León region, Terreus is sourced from an organically farmed 3ha plot of old vines planted on clay-limestone soil. The wine is aged for 33 months in French oak barrels before bottling. The Bodegas Mauro winery and vines are located in the village of Tudela del Duero, just outside the official boundary of the Ribera del Duero DO. Founder Mariano García was for many years the head winemaker at Vega Sicilia, where he earned a fine reputation for his intuitive approach to barrel ageing. Mariano has now passed on the baton to his sons, Albert and Eduardo, who continue to produce outstandingly good value red wines principally from Tempranillo. "There is a lot of purity in this wine, and it shows the effect of the cooler year. They are increasing the percentage of used barrique, and the oak feels better integrated. It’s a very serious wine, with depth, complexity and persistence. I think there’s more and more effect from the limestone soils in the wine (texture!) as the élevage marks the wine is a softer way. This is among the finest vintages of Terreus." Wine Advocate, 2021