PROTOS
RESERVA
BALANCE • 36 MONTHS
RIBERA DEL DUERO
"The timeless essence of the Ribera: the perfect balance between the untamed power of the terroir and the finesse of patient, silent aging."
The Character of Peñafiel
Protos Reserva is the winery's flagship for those seeking maturity without losing the varietal identity of the D.O. Ribera del Duero. Sourced from selected vineyards with an average age of 50 years in Peñafiel, this legendary Spanish red reserve wine embodies the "Be First" philosophy. After 18 months in oak barrels (French and American) and another 18 months of bottle refinement (36 months in total), it achieves a perfect harmony where the tannins are velvety and the ripe dark fruit is masterfully integrated with noble woods. A prestigious label ideal for purchasing online with secure home delivery at La Cava Shop.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Bodegas Protos.
Origin: Peñafiel, Ribera del Duero, Spain.
Varietal: 100% Tinta del País (Tempranillo).
Aging: 36 months (18 months in French and American oak, 18 months in bottle).
Aging Potential: 10 to 12 years under optimal conditions.
Alcohol Content: 14.5% Vol.
SKU: PROTOS-RES-750
Presentation: 750 ml bottle
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Intense garnet red with bright tile-colored edges that denote its noble evolution in the bottle, with a medium-high intensity and great liveliness.
Nose: High aromatic intensity. An explosion of ripe dark fruit (plum, blueberry, blackberry) assembled with tertiary notes of pipe tobacco, black licorice, clove, bitter cocoa, and an elegant background of toasted oak.
Palate: Powerful, meaty entry with great volume. It presents a silky texture with perfectly polished tannins. Its vibrant acidity provides exceptional freshness for a wine of its category, culminating in a persistent and very complex finish.
3. Sensory Architecture
4. Pairing and Culinary Recommendation
Red Meats: A natural companion to grilled T-bone steak, Castilian-style roast lamb, grilled Prime cuts, or venison.
Game and Stews: Ideal for wild boar stews, oxtail, ossobuco, and hearty legume dishes with Iberian sausages.
Mexican Haute Cuisine: Pairs superbly with Manchamanteles, Oaxacan Black Mole, or marbled meat cuts with a crust of dried chilies and coffee.
Service: Serve at an ideal temperature between 16°C and 18°C (61°F - 64°F). It is advisable to let it breathe in the glass or decant for 30 minutes before consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it ready to drink now or does it require more time?
It is already at an optimal moment for consumption thanks to its prolonged rest in the bottle, but its excellent structure allows it to evolve favorably over the next decade if stored at a constant temperature.
What type of oak is used for its aging?
Bodegas Protos uses a balanced combination of French and American oak: the former provides elegance, finesse, and spicy notes, while the latter offers structure and soft sweet touches.