Castile and León is home to the famous Toro wines. This Spanish region has a long oenological tradition, which dates back to the times of the ancient Greeks.
In the Middle Ages, wines from Toro were a highly prized commodity in Spain, so much they received royal privilege. These wines were aboard the Spanish Armada that discovered the New World, and tater, during the 19th century, they were exported to other European countries affected by the devastating phylloxera plague that left vineyards barren for decades.
Toro wines are made from a single type of grape named Tinta de Toro, which belongs to the same family of the Tempranillo, so often used in La Rioja. These legendary vineyards have strong and sturdy vines. Some are 140 years old and produce wines that are the joy and pride of the wineries that create them.
The winery’s name is a tribute to Numantia, an ancient settlement known for its fierce resistance to Roman invasion. In 133 AC, it was besieged by legions led by the Roman General Scipio. Its citizens resisted, heroically, for years, opting for death rather than surrender and dishonor. Numanthia has become a historic icon of tenacity and endurance, characteristics that define the Toro vineyard, a true survivor, able to overcome the inclement weather and resistant to plagues.
Numanthia owns 121 acres of vineyards. About 20 are planted with vines 70 to 100 years old, but we should also mention a small plot of 12 acres, in Argujillo, that is 120 years old. The land is divided into parcels facing south and southwest, with an average altitude of 2,300 feet. These vines produce thick clusters of small grapes, rich in color and with strong tannins, although the yield is quite small: 2,000 to 3,600 pounds per acre, one of the lowest in the world. For these reasons, they are subject to study in the main enology schools. In order to adapt to the extreme climate, the vineyards have diminished their production, but, instead, offer a high concentration of fruit, resulting in very balanced wines of great presence and finesse.
The winery’s enologist works closely with his team until the vines reach their harvest peak. Once the wines are made and ready to stand in the barrels, he meets with the cellar master, in charge of monitoring their progress towards maturity.
Their wines—Termes, Numanthia, and Termanthia are the result of an unwavering commitment to achieving the perfection and a complexity that can be appreciated as soon as a bottle is uncorked.
THE WINES
Termes 2008
Its color is dark red with ruby highlights. It has well integrated, fresh and intense fruity aroma (raspberry, red currant, cherry) and a slight floral touch (violets, lavender) as well as mild spices and eucalyptus. In the mouth one immediately perceives its silkiness and diversity. After a persistent first impression, the fruit remains. The finish is long and complex, with notes of spices, raspberries, and blackberries. This is certainly a good recommendation.
Numanthia 2007
It has a dark, bright and deep red color with intense ruby highlights. Its aroma is alive and very complex. At first, we distinguish strong notes of red and black fruits (currants, raspberries, and blackberries), perfectly conjoined with sweet spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), black pepper, licorice and toasty aromas. On the palate, it is a fleshy wine with well-structured tannins. The finish is long and elegant with aromas of spices, raspberry, cocoa and toasted notes that enhance the complexity and craftsmanship of this extraordinary wine.
Termanthia 2007
It is characterized by bright, dark and deep purple tones. By bringing the glass close to the nose one can perceive its complexity and finesse in a full range of aromas of red and black fruits, licorice, black truffles, dried flowers, and noble woods. A few minutes of aeration make it even more intense and complex. The taste transports us to the land of Toro with characteristic density, unique roundness and succulence and excellent tannins. The finish is extended with the emotion that comes with a wide aromatic range of red and black fruits, but also cocoa and toasted vanilla notes from the oak barrels where the bottles have rested for 20 months. Termanthia 2007 is a great and unforgettable wine. ■
