Review: Monteabellon Ribera del Duero – 2017 Finca Matambres and 2021 Tempranillo
Monteabellon is a Ribera del Duero winery that has been producing wines for multiple generations. Today we look at two wines from the operation — an older, well-aged expression and a younger version, both (of course) tempranillos.
2017 Monteabellon Finca Matambres Ribera del Duero – This hearty offering, 100% tempranillo (aged 14 months in French and American oak barrels), offers some of the classic stylings of Ribera del Duero wines. Boldly beefy but tempered with notes of sage and nutmeg, this is a food-friendly wine that sucks you in — before slapping you in the face with a thick strip of fatty bacon. On the finish: Notes of cloves, graphite, and blackberry bramble keep things well-grounded. A brighter raspberry note emerges and manages to endure if you give it a few hours in glass. B+ / $35
2021 Monteabellon Tempranillo Ribera del Duero – A much shorter 5 months in barrel ensures this wine has a brighter, much more fruit-heavy composition. Big notes of fresh cherry and plum are backed up with some floral elements and a pinch of nutmeg, with more of that earthy bramble and clove character building on the finish. Slightly stewed, with a tomato note on the finish. Best with food. B / $25
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