Casa Lebai El Portillo 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Spain's Ribera del Duero wine region, Casa Lebai was founded by Rodrigo and Asier Calvo in 2019, after a careful evaluation and zoning of the family vineyards. The winery, which continues the rich tradition and history of the Calvo family of winemakers, aspires to the revival and revitalization of the Gumiel de Mercado viticultural area. Produced in limited quantities (less than 3,000 bottles), the wine is a blend of Tinto Fino (the local name for Tempranillo), Garnacha Tinta, and Valenciano grapes sourced from the El Portillo vineyard, planted by the Calvo family in 1936 on an east-facing slope. Here, the bush-trained vines are rooted in reddish, loamy soil. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in large stainless steel vats, where the wine then ages for one year. In the glass, Casa Lebai El Portillo reveals a medium-light cherry color with bright highlights. On the nose, it displays a broad bouquet with notes of red fruit, especially cherry and fresh red berries, on a slightly spicy undertone. On the palate, it is lively, expressive, and refreshing. It has a fruity character, balanced acidity, and smooth tannins. The finish is long and elegant. Try it with lamb burgers or grilled chorizo.