Bodegas Cepa 21 'Cepa 21' Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain

From the heart of D.O. Ribera del Duero, the 2021 Cepa 21 is the twentieth vintage of this flagship wine from one of the region’s most visionary pioneers, José Moro. Crafted exclusively from 100% Tempranillo grown on 50 hectares surrounding the winery in Castrillo de Duero, this bottling marks a stylistic and visual evolution in the estate’s journey—an expression of modernity grounded in deep-rooted tradition.

Product Details:

• Producer: Bodegas Cepa 21
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain
• Appellation: D.O. Ribera del Duero
• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
• Winemaker: José Moro
• Oenologist: Álvaro Maestro
• Vineyard Source: Estate-grown, cuttings from ancient vines in Valderramiro and Resalso
• Barrel Aging: 12 months in French oak barriques
• Bottle Size: 750 ml
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
• Volatile Acidity: 0.7 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
• pH: 3.69

Sensory Description:

This deep cherry red wine opens with a layered, expressive nose—blackberries, black licorice, and mineral tones mingle with balsamic notes and an elegant liqueur-like richness. The oak is seamlessly integrated, providing a polished framework. On the palate, Cepa 21 2021 reveals structure and breadth, with refined tannins, excellent balance, and a long, fresh finish. Its complexity and precision mark it as one of Ribera del Duero’s most thoughtful and terroir-driven reds.

Awards & Accolades:

• 93 Points – Guía Proensa
• 92 Points – Wine Spectator

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 2000 by José Moro—an influential name in Ribera del Duero’s winemaking legacy—Bodegas Cepa 21 represents a bold union of tradition and innovation. With ancestral roots in viticulture and a forward-thinking approach to architecture and technique, the winery was designed by Alberto Sainz de Aja and José Manuel Barri to embody elegance and precision. Moro’s commitment to excellence and sustainability is evident in the estate’s 50 hectares of estate-grown Tempranillo and its pursuit of quality with minimal intervention.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 17°C (62.5°F). This versatile red pairs beautifully with roast lamb, grilled steak, mushroom risotto, and cured Manchego. Its structure and aromatic profile also make it an exceptional match for game and slow-cooked meats.

Aging Potential: Best enjoyed now through mid-2028.

Cepa 21 2021 stands as the alma mater of the estate—a wine that reflects its noble past while embracing a new era of refinement. Elegance, precision, and authenticity come together in this essential Ribera red, promising both immediate pleasure and rewarding evolution in the cellar.