2019, Aster, Finca El Otero, Ribera del Duero

Powerful and refined, with concentrated black fruit, coffee, and toffee accented by sweet spice and cedar ‚¬” creamy, smooth, and harmoniously balanced.

About the Winery: Aster captures the contemporary spirit of Ribera del Duero. Founded by the renowned La Rioja Alta group, the winery was established in 2000 in Anguix, Burgos, with a mission to produce modern, fruit-forward wines that maintain elegance and structure. The 100-hectare estate integrates an advanced vinification hall, a grand manor house, and over 4,000 barrels of both French and American oak. Winemaker Julio Sa¡enz brings expertise from La Rioja Alta, crafting expressive, age-worthy wines defined by depth, balance, and purity of fruit.

Vintage: The 2019 growing season was marked by smooth vegetative development and limited rainfall, producing fewer but smaller, concentrated clusters. The optimal skin-to-pulp ratio yielded wines with richness, depth, and vibrant acidity. Officially rated *Excellent* by the Ribera del Duero Regulatory Council, this vintage showcases the appellationof signature intensity and finesse.

Vineyard: Sourced exclusively from the 60-year-old vines of *Finca El Otero*, this single-vineyard wine is only produced in exceptional years. The plot sits at 850 metres above sea level in Anguix, Burgos, on gently eroded slopes of dry, non-fertile clay-loam soils. The vines deep root systems contribute structure and complexity, while the siteof optimal exposure and poor soils limit yields to produce intensely flavoured berries. Aster follows sustainable vineyard management ‚¬” reducing treatments, using renewable energy, reusing water, and promoting biodiversity through insect shelters and natural pest control. Grapes are hand-harvested at full maturity.

Winemaking: Grapes were harvested during cold morning hours to preserve freshness and underwent a seven-day pre-fermentation cold soak. Fermentation began spontaneously with native yeasts, lasting 18 days before transfer to new French oak barrels. Weekly baonnage during 72 days of malolactic fermentation enhanced texture and complexity. The wine was then aged for 16 months in new French oak, with two traditional-style rackings to refine structure and integrate oak with fruit.

Appearance: Deep, opaque garnet red with violet hues and exceptional brightness.

Aroma: Intense black fruit with toasty overtones of coffee, toffee, and cedar, layered with sweet spice and subtle oak complexity.

Palate: Concentrated and polished, displaying ripe blackberries and plum, framed by creamy tannins and a smooth, harmonious texture. Toasted spice, espresso, and oak nuances carry through a long, elegant finish.

Body: Full-bodied and opulent, yet balanced by freshness and silky structure.

Acidity: Bright and integrated, lending vitality and length to the rich palate.

Cellaring Potential: Drink now for its power and elegance or cellar for 10‚15 years to reveal truffle, leather, and tobacco complexity.

Perfect Pairing: Ideal with roast lamb, venison loin, or grilled ribeye with rosemary; pairs beautifully with Manchego or aged Comte.

Serving Temperature: Serve at 16‚17°C to emphasise balance and aromatic complexity.

Contains sulphites. Information correct to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change according to vintage.