Capricho Viñas Viejas 2016 | Verónica Salgado | Ribera del Duero

Wine Identification
The Verónica Salgado is a red wine produced by the eponymous winery in Spain’s Ribera del Duero denomination of origin, specifically within the municipality of Pesquera de Duero in Valladolid. The 2016 vintage is crafted exclusively from Tempranillo grapes, locally known as Tinta Fina.

Origin and Winemaking
The fruit originates from the Pago del Moral vineyard, situated at an altitude of approximately 800 meters. The vines were planted in 1950, resulting in old vines that contribute to the wine’s character. The soil composition is a mix of clay and limestone, enriched with a significant presence of river stones (cantos rodados). Vinification involves malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine undergoes an extended aging regimen: 12 months in new oak barrels followed by a further 36 months of rest in the bottle prior to commercialization.

Tasting Profile
Visually, the wine presents a very intense cherry color. On the nose, it exhibits complex aromas of black fruit and candied fruit, complemented by notes of mountain herbs, spice, earthy elements, and dairy nuances. The palate is described as savory, structured, and powerful, reflecting a varietal style that is both complex and robust.

Critical Reception
The Guía Peñín awarded this vintage a score of 92 points. Their assessment highlights the wine’s complexity and varietal character, noting the intense color and the interplay of fruit, herbal, spicy, and earthy aromas alongside a structured, powerful mouthfeel.

Overall Character
This Ribera del Duero red is defined by its significant bottle aging and old-vine origins. The combination of high-altitude clay-limestone soils and extended maturation in new oak results in a wine that is both deeply aromatic and structurally imposing, offering a serious expression of Tempranillo from one of Spain’s most prestigious regions.