Dominio de Eguren, Protocolo Tinto Tempranillo, 2023
Dominio de Eguren, Protocolo Tinto Tempranillo, 2023
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 13.5%
- Tempranillo
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Dominio de Eguren's Protocolo Tinto represents exceptional value from Spain's La Mancha region, where the Eguren family applies their decades of winemaking expertise to young-drinking Tempranillo. The 2023 vintage delivers pure, accessible fruit character with the structure that makes Tempranillo Spain's most celebrated red grape.
This wine shows ripe blackberry and cherry flavours supported by gentle spice and well-integrated tannins. The warm continental climate of La Mancha provides ideal ripening conditions, whilst modern winemaking preserves the fresh fruit character that makes this wine perfect for immediate enjoyment until 2029.
This 2023 vintage is designed for immediate enjoyment and will show its best fruit character through 2027. The primary blackberry and cherry flavours will remain dominant, with the gentle spice becoming more integrated over the next year. By 2028-2029, the wine will begin to show more savoury character as the fruit starts to fade, though it will remain pleasant to drink. This style of Tempranillo is not built for extended ageing and should be consumed whilst the fresh fruit character remains vibrant.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby red with purple highlights, clear and bright.
NoseFresh blackberry and cherry aromas dominate, supported by subtle vanilla and spice from brief oak contact. Red plum and a touch of Mediterranean herbs add complexity. The fruit character remains primary and inviting.
PalateMedium-bodied with soft, approachable tannins that frame ripe red and black fruit flavours. Cherry and blackberry fruit carries through from the nose, joined by gentle spice and a hint of liquorice. The wine shows good balance between fruit sweetness and refreshing acidity. Clean, modern winemaking preserves the pure fruit character.
FinishMedium length with lingering red fruit and a touch of spice.
Overall impressionAn honest, well-made Tempranillo that delivers varietal character and drinking pleasure without pretension.
Food Pairings
In La Mancha, this style of young Tempranillo traditionally accompanies hearty regional dishes like pisto manchego (ratatouille-style vegetable stew), lamb braised with saffron, and the famous Manchego cheese aged in local caves. Local hunters pair similar wines with partridge and rabbit stews, whilst the region's celebrated jamón Ibérico finds perfect harmony with the wine's fruit and spice. Simple grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary represent the epitome of La Mancha's rustic, flavourful cuisine that complements rather than competes with the wine.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to showcase the fruit character whilst maintaining structure. No decanting required, though opening 30 minutes before serving allows the wine to breathe and develop. Use medium-sized Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the aromas whilst providing adequate surface area for the wine to express itself. This wine benefits from being consumed within a day of opening.
The vineyards benefit from La Mancha's continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters, creating ideal conditions for Tempranillo ripening. The region's chalky clay soils provide good drainage whilst retaining enough moisture to support the vines through the arid summer months. Altitude averaging 600-700 metres moderates temperatures, preserving acidity and preventing over-ripening. These conditions produce grapes with concentrated fruit flavours and natural balance.
La Mancha is Spain's largest wine region, stretching across the central plateau south of Madrid. The DO regulations permit a wide range of grape varieties, though Tempranillo has emerged as the quality leader for red wines. The region's extreme continental climate and vast scale have historically focused on quantity, but modern producers like Dominio de Eguren demonstrate La Mancha's potential for well-made, characterful wines. The appellation offers exceptional value compared to Spain's more prestigious regions whilst maintaining genuine regional identity.
The 2023 vintage in La Mancha proved challenging yet rewarding for producers who adapted their approach. Spring brought adequate rainfall that replenished soil moisture after several dry years, but summer heat arrived early and intensely across the vast central plateau. Producers who invested in careful canopy management and selective harvesting timing found themselves well-positioned to capture concentrated fruit while maintaining crucial acidity levels. The key lay in picking decisions, with the most successful estates opting for earlier harvest windows than in recent years.
Quality varies notably across the region's diverse terroir, but the better examples display impressive concentration without the jammy characteristics that can plague hot vintages here. Tempranillo shows particular promise, with wines displaying deep colour and structured tannins that suggest good cellaring potential. Airén performed surprisingly well where yields were controlled, while Garnacha struggled in some sectors. Most wines are drinking well now but the finer Tempranillo-based reds will benefit from three to five years in bottle to fully integrate their robust structure.
FAQs
Is this wine suitable for cellaring?
The Protocolo Tinto is designed for immediate enjoyment rather than cellaring. Whilst it will remain pleasant through 2029, it shows best whilst the primary fruit character remains vibrant over the next two to three years.
How does this compare to Rioja Tempranillo?
This La Mancha Tempranillo offers more immediate fruit character and softer tannins than most Rioja wines, with less oak influence and a more approachable style. It represents excellent value whilst maintaining authentic Tempranillo character.
What food works best with this wine?
The wine's medium body and soft tannins make it versatile with grilled meats, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and Spanish cheeses. It particularly suits everyday dining rather than formal occasions.
Should I decant this wine?
Decanting is unnecessary, though opening the bottle 30 minutes before serving allows the wine to breathe and develop. The wine is ready to drink immediately upon opening.
What makes Dominio de Eguren special?
The Eguren family brings decades of Spanish winemaking expertise to their value-focused Protocolo range, applying the same attention to quality that has made them successful across multiple regions whilst maintaining competitive pricing.
How long will an opened bottle last?
Once opened, the wine will remain enjoyable for 1-2 days if stored in the refrigerator with a wine stopper. The fresh fruit character is best appreciated within 24 hours of opening.
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