# Protocolo Tinto (2021)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Sierra Cantabria
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €9
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red cherry, red plum, vanilla, cloves

## About this wine

Protocolo Tinto is a red wine from Bodegas Sierra Cantabria, part of the Eguren family's long-standing winemaking tradition dating back to 1870. Produced in the V.T. Castilla appellation within Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, this wine is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes. The fruit is sourced from the family's own sustainably managed vineyards in Manchuela, at an elevation of 700 meters, with vines aged between 30 and 70 years. The Eguren family emphasizes their role as viticulturists, believing that each wine should reflect its unique origin. This wine stands out for its focus on expressing the Tempranillo grape from this specific region, offering a fruit-forward profile with subtle oak influences at an accessible price point.

## Interesting facts

- The Eguren family has been making wine for five generations.
- Vines for Protocolo Tinto range from 30 to 70 years old.
- The winery uses both traditional 19th-century methods and modern equipment.
- Protocolo Tinto is sourced from vineyards at 700m elevation.

## Food pairing

The medium body and supple tannins of Protocolo Tinto make it versatile. Its fruit-forward character and balanced acidity complement the richness of red meats and savory dishes. The subtle spice notes can echo seasonings in food, while the wine's structure stands up to moderate fat and protein.

## Wine making process

Protocolo Tinto is produced using traditional vinification methods. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks, a technique that helps preserve the fresh fruit characteristics of the Tempranillo. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak casks, which contributes subtle notes of vanilla and spice. The grapes are sourced from the Eguren family's sustainably managed vineyards in Manchuela, Castilla-La Mancha, with vines ranging from 30 to 70 years old, situated at an elevation of 700 meters. This approach balances time-honored winemaking practices with modern technology to achieve a wine that reflects its origin.