The Tinto counterpart to the Pícaro Clarete is a co-fermented blend of Tempranillo with Albillo, Garnacha, and Bobal – fruit strictly selected from parcels chosen for their quality and response to vintage conditions. In warmer years, cooler sites are favored, and in cooler vintages, warmer sites are utilized. All these sites have soils of gravel and heavier clay, which in a dry climate like Ribera del Duero prevents vine stress and promotes an even and simultaneous ripening of both fruit and stems – vitally important for whole-cluster, natural fermentations.
Aging 19 months in oak barrels, non destemed grapes, trodden with the feet, malolactic fermentation in oak barrels, not clarified, not fined.
Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and dark cherry, vanilla, sweet spice and chalky tannin. A fresher style of Ribera del Duero that aims for elegance over extraction.
94 points, "The 2022 Pícaro del Águila Tinto has similar parameters to the 2021 (14% alcohol), but the sensation is of higher ripeness. Surprisingly enough, it has a lower pH than the 2021 I tasted next to it; they used more white to give it freshness and more of the other varieties. It has chalky, dry tannins, reflecting the terroir more, which is remarkable for such a warm and dry year. This is more serious, and the 2021 is more approachable. A triumph over the vintage. 61,757 bottles and 1,979 magnums produced. It was bottled in January 2024." - Wine Advocate