Conde de San Cristóbal 2022
Full-bodied dry red wine · Conde de San Cristóbal
Vintage: 2022
Type
Full-bodied dry red wine
Producer
Conde de San Cristóbal
Country
Spain
Vintage
2022
Region & Appellation
Ribera del Duero DO, Castilla y León
Grape Varieties
Primarily Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Color & Appearance
Deep, opaque ruby-red with a vibrant violet rim, demonstrating high viscosity and concentrated legs that cling to the glass
Aroma Profile
Intense and expressive nose featuring ripe black fruit like blackberries and black plums, layered with sweet vanillin, roasted coffee beans, subtle balsamic hints, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs
Tasting Notes
A powerful yet elegant attack that unfolds into a lush, broad mid-palate filled with rich dark fruit and well-integrated oak spices. The finish is remarkably long, structured, and warming, leaving an impression of polished tannins and lingering dark chocolate
Flavor Profile
Dominated by black cherry, blackberry, and plum preserves, complemented by secondary notes of clove, cedar, licorice, and a distinct mineral earthiness
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a velvety, plush mouthfeel, dense extract, and a rounded, seamless texture that completely coats the palate
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-high acidity providing a refreshing spine that balances the rich fruit and high alcohol, supported by firm yet fine-grained, ripe tannins
Sweetness Level
Bone dry with zero residual sugar, though perceived sweetness comes from ultra-ripe fruit and sweet oak aging
Alcohol Content
14.5% ABV, typical for powerful modern styles from Ribera del Duero, providing ample warmth and weight
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 12 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by further bottle maturation prior to release
Food Pairings
Ideal for a summer evening barbecue featuring grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, or hearty aged Spanish cheeses like Manchego
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C in a large Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes is recommended to allow the aromas to fully open up
Price Range
$25 - $35 USD, offering exceptional value for a high-end expression of Ribera del Duero
Quality Assessment
91-93 points, representing a very high quality, premium tier modern Spanish red that punches above its price class
Production Methods
Hand-harvested grapes sorted carefully, fermented in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures with extended maceration, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel
Terroir
Continental Mediterranean climate with extreme diurnal temperature variations, planted on limestone, clay, and sandy soils at high altitudes along the Duero river valley
History & Heritage
Established in Ribera del Duero by the famous Matarromera group, combining traditional viticulture with state-of-the-art winemaking techniques
Interesting Facts
The distinctive bottle features elegant modern typography and a crest, symbolizing the noble heritage and ambition of the estate in one of Spain's most prestigious wine regions
Cellaring Potential
Approachable now after decanting, but will continue to evolve gracefully through 2030-2034 under proper cellar conditions
Similar Wines
Emilio Moro, Pesquera Crianza, Pago de los Capellanes Crianza, and Protos Crianza