Francisco Barona Ribera del Duero Finca Las Dueñas Reserva 2020 750ml

Primarily Tinto Fino (Tempranilllo), intermixed in the vineyards with Garnacha Tinta, Albillo, Bobal, Jaen, and a host of other field blended indigenous varieties. Planted in 1928. Francisco Barona farms Finca las Dueñas organically. These are old field-blend vineyards of Tinto Fino with other indigenous varieties. Barona obstains from the use of chemically synthesized fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, and does not irrigate. Aged for 20 months in new French barrique, followed by 20 months in bottle.

Considered by many to be the best young winemaker in Ribera del Duero, Francisco Barona grew up in a family of humble viticulturists in Roa de Duero, and as a third generation farmer travelled to Bordeaux to work at Chateau Pavie-Macquin and study at the University of Bordeaux. After graduating top of his class Barona worked stints at Chateau Malescot St Exupéry and Angelus before working at Hartwell Estate in Napa and Klein Constantia. In 2010 he returned home and founded his estate in Ribera del Duero. Today, Barona owns 45 Ha. of old vines and is building a new winery to house his project in Roa de Duero. Barona's youngest vineyard was planted in 1948, and is leading the charge in Ribera away from commercialization and towards a recovery of what made Ribera del Duero famous - traditionally farmed, old field blended vineyards of Tinto Fino planted at high altitudes.