Quinta Sardonia’ new 2020 vintage brings memories of the balanced, harmonious red wines produced in the Duero area of Spain in the 1990s. These wines showed the power and austerity of the terroir in a natural way, without being overwhelming.
Made in Sardón de Duero, just beyond the boundaries of Ribera del Duero, it is a blend of Tempranillo with 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and a further 5% Merlot, Malbec and Syrah.
The year 2020 was a difficult one for the winery, and not only because of the pandemic. After a rainy winter and spring, the summer altered the fresh profile of the harvest to the point that the grapes had to be harvested earlier to avoid over-ripening. The rains in September split the harvest, producing a more concentrated crop in the first phase and fruit-driven, lively wines after the rain.
Thanks to its balance, the wine does not show such contradictions. We found subtle red and black fruit over a minty background with light vanilla notes. On the palate, the enveloping texture helps to make the wine pleasant and accesible, while retaining some firm tannins. Despite the moderate acidity, there is good depth and the alcohol (15% vol.) is well integrated. A restrained extraction has contributed to balance the different elements.
A wine that will go well with meat dishes this Christmas and will please those who are committed to organic farming. In fact, Quinta Sardonia, now owned by the Galician group Terras Gauda pioneered biodynamics in Spain.
32,630 bottles
€38
Score: 93
Author
Amaya Cervera
A wine journalist with almost 30 years' experience, she is the founder of the award-winning Spanish Wine Lover website. In 2023, she won the National Gastronomy Award for Gastronomic Communication
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