Vetus, Toro
Vintage: 2021
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | VE201B21 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
The Antón family (of Izadi, Orben and Finca Villacreces) have invested in the Toro DO, purchasing 20 hectares of Tinta de Toro (the local name for Tempranillo) vines in 2003 for their Vetus project. These 25-60-year-old, south-facing vineyards are located on sandy and clay soils in Villabuena del Puente.
Growing conditions in this area are extreme, with cold winters, frost, strong winds and hot summers all presenting huge viticultural challenges. The vineyard’s poor soils create low yields, resulting in wines with excellent flavour and colour intensity. However, high temperatures and 3,000 sunshine hours per year can bring high alcohol levels without effective vine canopy management.
The ‘Flor de Vetus’ Toro is made from 100% Tinto de Toro and has a deep, black cherry colour with expressive aromas of red and black berry fruits and touches of spice from time spent in American and French oak. It offers a fresher, more accessible style, designed to be drunk in its youth, compared to its more premium Toro counterpart, which is matured in new French oak and spends more time in bottle before release. Vetus’ Toro is well structured, with bright aromas of red berry fruit, smoke, toast and robust tannins that are typical of the DO. The wine is well-balanced, with a long, powerful finish.
The Antón family also own vineyards in Rueda, to the east of the Toro DO. The ‘Flor de Vetus’ Rueda is made from 100% Verdejo, sourced from an 80-year-old vineyard planted at an elevation of 820 metres in the cool area of Segovia, giving a crisp and fresh style of white wine.
Vineyards
The 20 hectares of 25 to 60-year-old south-facing vines are located on sandy and clay soils in Villabuena del Puente. They are planted with Tinta de Toro, thought to be Tempranillo, which has adapted to the continental climate of this area. Long, hot and often very dry summers are followed by cold winters where temperatures may drop , with rainfall varying in the north and the south. Frost is also a danger and vineyards located in the flattest area are liable to be hit by strong winds.
Vinification
The grapes were handpicked, destemmed and partially crushed before undergoing a cool soaking for three days. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks, with frequent pumping over to extract both tannins and colour. The wine was then aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak barrels before being bottled.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Deep ruby in colour with an array of violet hues. The nose presents aromas of ripe red and black fruits which are pleasantly complemented by subtle spice notes and liquorice. The palate unites power and elegance alongside a magnificent fruit concentration, balancing flavours and acidity, all leading into a stunning finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
15%
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vetus | `Flor de Vetus` Toro | VE202 | R | Factsheet | |
| `Flor de Vetus` Rueda Verdejo | VE203 | W | Factsheet |