2022 Teso la Monja Almirez

2022 Teso la Monja Almirez is a powerful, modern expression of Toro that marries old-vine intensity with polished elegance. Crafted entirely from Tinta de Toro (the local clone of Tempranillo), this cuvée comes from 50-year-old vines and spends 14 months maturing in oak, resulting in remarkable depth and complexity. Born from the legacy of the team behind Numanthia and Termanthia, Almirez offers serious pedigree and structure at a price that still represents outstanding value.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Almirez 2022 shows an inky, almost opaque purple-black core with a narrow violet rim – a visual clue to its concentration. The nose is immediately expressive and layered: ripe blackcurrant and dark plum mingle with cassis, blackberries, caramel, roasted coffee bean, sweet spices, and a distinct mineral streak, all wrapped in finely integrated, high-quality oak. Subtle notes of tobacco leaf and cocoa emerge with a little air, adding to the wine’s complexity. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, richly textured red with a dense, velvety mouthfeel. Intense dark fruit flavors – cassis, black cherry, and blackberry compote – are supported by well-ripened tannins and a vibrant backbone of acidity that keeps the wine fresh despite its power. Layers of mocha, toasted oak, and savory spice unfold across the mid-palate, leading into a long, persistent finish that echoes with mineral notes, dark chocolate, and a hint of tobacco. Already impressive in its youth, Almirez has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for at least 10+ years, slowly gaining complexity and tertiary nuances.

Production
Almirez is sourced from old, low-yielding Tinta de Toro vines averaging around 50 years of age, planted in the sandy, well-drained soils of Toro in Zamora, around Valdefinjas and Villabuena. This area is particularly renowned for its pre-phylloxera and ungrafted vines, as the sandy terroir protected the vineyards from the devastating vine louse, preserving authentic, original plant material. Harvesting is carried out by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes are selected. In the cellar, Teso La Monja vinifies Almirez with great care to capture the full character of Toro’s old vines, followed by 14 months of aging in quality oak barrels. This maturation polishes the tannins, adds notes of spice, coffee, and toast, and builds the wine’s impressive structure while preserving the purity and intensity of the fruit.

Food & Serving
This is a robust, gastronomic red that shines with rich, savory dishes. Pair Almirez 2022 with grilled or roasted red meats, slow-braised lamb shanks, beef short ribs, game (venison, wild boar), or hearty stews and casseroles. It also complements mature hard cheeses and richly flavored Spanish dishes such as oxtail, chorizo-based casseroles, or roasted suckling pig. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal balance of fruit and structure. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the wine to open up and fully reveal its aromatic complexity and silky texture.

Producer
Teso La Monja is one of the flagship estates of the Eguren family, renowned Spanish vintners who played a pivotal role in putting Toro on the world fine wine map through their earlier projects Numanthia and Termanthia. After that estate was acquired by Moët & Chandon, the family returned to Toro, securing exceptional old-vine parcels and founding Teso La Monja as a new benchmark for the region. Located in the province of Zamora, with vineyards around Valdefinjas and Villabuena, the estate focuses on Tinta de Toro from old and in some cases ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines, harnessing the unique sandy soils and continental climate to craft powerful yet refined wines. Teso La Monja has quickly become a reference producer in Toro, consistently earning high critical acclaim and demonstrating the region’s capacity for world-class, ageworthy reds.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.