Viniou Reviews
Protos Crianza 2020 from Ribera del Duero in Spain is a red wine crafted predominantly from the Tempranillo grape, locally known as Tinta del País. This vintage, declared as "Crianza," means the wine has been matured for a minimum of 12 months in oak barrels, followed by additional aging in bottle before release. The 2020 vintage presents an expressive aromatic profile, where ripe blackberries and cherries merge with gentle vanilla, toast, and spice notes resultant from its barrel ageing. The palate is full-bodied and refined, balancing vibrant fruit and well-integrated tannins, with a subtle touch of liquorice and a lingering, elegant finish—an excellent representation of the structure and finesse Ribera del Duero is known for.
The Ribera del Duero region, located in Castille and León along the upper reaches of the Duero River, enjoys a unique continental climate. Long, hot summers and cold winters with significant diurnal temperature variation allow the grape skins to thicken and phenolic ripeness to be reached, imparting depth and colour to the wines. The alluvial soils—rich in limestone and clay—support the natural acidity and minerality that define the region's best reds. While winemaking here dates back to Roman times, the area gained international prominence in the late twentieth century, now standing as one of Spain’s most revered appellations.
This powerful yet polished Crianza pairs beautifully with grilled and roasted meats such as lamb, beef or game, echoing the hearty flavours found in traditional Castilian cuisine like lechazo asado (roast suckling lamb) or morcilla (blood sausage). It also complements mature cheeses like Manchego or aged sheep’s cheese, as well as earthy, savoury mushroom-based dishes.
For optimum enjoyment, serve Protos Crianza 2020 at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting the wine for at least 30 minutes before tasting will help soften any tannic edges and allow its complex bouquet to develop fully.
