Bodegas Pintia Pintia 0.375L

Toro is not a gentle region. The plateau west of Valladolid, 700 meters above sea level, forms wines with structure and depth — and Pintia is one of the most convincing addresses there.

Bodegas Pintia belongs to the Vega-Sicilia group, which founded the winery in 1997 in the DO Toro. The vines grow on sandy, calcareous soil — a natural barrier against phylloxera, which is why many vines still stand on their own roots. Exclusively Tinta de Toro, the local variety of Tempranillo, finds its way into the cellar here.

In the glass, the Pintia shows dark blackberry and plum, underlaid by cedar wood and a hint of roasted spices from the aging in French and American barriques. The body is dense, the tannins firm but with texture — not a sharp finish, but a long-lasting, slightly earthy spice.

• Temperature: 16–18 °C, preferably open an hour before drinking
• Food: Leg of lamb with herbs, Ibérico ham, aged Manchego

The 0.375-liter bottle is well-suited for two glasses for dinner — or as an entry into a wine that one would like to see again in the full bottle afterwards.