Like many countries, Spain has plenty of wine made outside the DO system, and there are some advantages for producers in following this path. Less overhead from the regulator and more freedom to make wine from whatever variety you like, however you like. The guys at Bodegas Mauro have taken this path, they sit just outside the Ribera del Duero DO and grow a bit of shiraz as well as tempranillo and garnarcha. They also have a bit of help from winemaking legend Mariano Garcia and his sons.

This is their entry level wine and its made from mostly tempranillo with 10% shiraz. It’s fermented in stainless steel, then into a mix of 75% french oak and 25% american oak for 14 months. Only 20% of that is new oak.

A rustic nose of dark cherry, plum, unfired clay, a touch of wood smoke, thyme and coco. Super smooth in the mouth, some subtle acid and some grainy tannins that build and soften as the wine get some air. On the palate there is plenty of dark cherry, plum, dark chocolate and some spicy oak. A bit of red cherry pops in from time to time to keep things interesting. A long finish with some grippy tannins and sage. A really interesting wine, a bit pricey perhaps, but quality all the way. 92+ Pts.

Source: Boccaccio Cellars RRP: $70 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.bodegasmauro.com