# Dehesa La Granja (2021)

- **Producer:** Dehesa La Granja (Familia Fernández Rivera)
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Castilla y León, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €11
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, plum, blackberry, fig, ripe fruit, vanilla, toffee, toast, balsam, pine cone, licorice, oyster sauce

## About this wine

Dehesa La Granja is a red wine from the V.T. Castilla y León appellation in Spain, produced by Familia Fernández Rivera. The 2021 vintage is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes grown on the Dehesa la Granja estate in Zamora, at altitudes between 700 and 750 meters. The estate itself is a large farm, emphasizing a connection to the land. A distinctive feature of this wine is its maturation in a historic, 18th-century underground stone cellar, which provides a stable environment for aging. The Familia Fernández Rivera is known for its dedication to Tempranillo and a winemaking approach that prioritizes fruit expression, with oak aging adding layers of complexity.

## Interesting facts

- The wine matures in an 18th-century underground stone cellar.
- The estate spans 800 hectares, with 250 dedicated to Tempranillo vines.
- Grapes are organically grown.
- The producer family is also behind the famous Tinto Pesquera.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body, firm tannins, and pronounced fruit flavors are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes. The tannins bind with proteins in the meat, softening the wine and cleansing the palate. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of fatty meats and creamy dishes, while its fruit and oak notes complement roasted flavors and earthy ingredients.

## Wine making process

Dehesa La Granja is produced using traditional methods with a focus on natural winemaking. The 100% Tempranillo grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging for 12 months in American oak barrels. A key aspect of the producer's philosophy is to avoid filtering or fining the wine before bottling, allowing it to retain its natural character. The grapes are sourced from organically grown vines.