Alvar de Dios - Tio Uco 2022
Price: $27.99
Sale Price: $17.99
| Producer | Alvar de Dios |
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| Country | Spain |
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| Region | Toro |
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| Varietal | Tempranillo |
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| Vintage | 2022 |
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| Sku | 13575 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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That's an incredible rating from Vinous, who is typically on the stingier side of reviews. Having drink a bottle of this side by side with three other 92+ rated Tempranillos, I think its pretty spot on.!
Tio Uco hails from Toro- a midsized region high in the mountains close-ish to the Portuguese border. Toro is traditionally, well, let me be diplomatic and use the importers notes here- “Toro is like the 1980s – big shoulder pads, teased hair and a gaudy energy that seems to be chemically enhanced.” So yeah- unless you’re into wine that reminds you of Cincy Lauper’s hair and Reaganomics, the standard Toro is probably not for you. Fortunately, Tio Uco completely eschews the norms of the region to create something altogether transcendent.
Owner Alvar de Dios makes this village wine from three vineyards, aged 35, 89 and 93 years old! These seriously old vines result in some seriously intense fruit! 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha. The grapes are farmed biodynamically and organically in sandy soil, fermented whole cluster with indigenous yeasts, see only a gentle maceration with pigeage by foot, and is aged primarily in neutral French oak barrels ranging in size from 300-1000L.
The sandy soil results in an explosive nose of cherries and raspberries that give way to darker fruit in the mouth. It's loaded with red and black fruits - blackberries, cherries, mulberries and raspberries - and the aforementioned spices - black pepper, cinnamon, and coffee. A powerful wine, yet the tannins are quite creamy and integrated. Vibrant acidity and minerality form the backbone of the wine, bringing together all of the parts into a majestic whole.
To pair? I can think of nothing better than Estefado de Rabo Toro- oxtail stew. The bones add a richness to the broth that can not be duplicated when using stew meat. Enjoy!
Vinous Media: 94 Points
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