Bodegas Peñalba López Los Cantos de Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Spain

Deeply expressive and elegantly textured, the 2020 Los Cantos de Torremilanos captures the essence of Ribera del Duero with a seamless blend of fruit purity, floral aromatics, and subtle spice. Crafted at one of the region’s most historic and innovative estates, this Tempranillo-driven red embodies both tradition and forward-thinking viticulture.

Product Details:

• Varietal Composition: 100% Tempranillo
• Alcohol Content: 14.5%
• Vineyard Size: Nearly 200 hectares (estate owned, organically and biodynamically farmed)
• Soils: Sand, rounded river stones, clay, and limestone
• Harvest: Manual harvest
• Maceration / Fermentation: 12-day maceration; fermentation with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
• Élevage: 13 months in French and American oak barrels (225L)
• Filtration: Light, traditional methods
• Allergens: Contains sulfites
• Winemakers: Ricardo Peñalba López and family
• Owners: The Peñalba López family

Sensory Description:

In the glass, this wine shows a deep, dark color with striking red and purple hues. The nose is fragrant and layered, offering lilac, rosemary, and honey, supported by roasted undertones, bay leaf, and a touch of black pepper. On the palate, it is velvety and rounded, brimming with smoothness and a salty, mineral freshness that accentuates the grape’s natural flavor. A subtle tension between fruit and spice keeps the wine dynamic and inviting, leading into a lingering finish that beckons another sip.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1975 when Pablo Peñalba López purchased the Torremilanos estate, Bodegas Peñalba López has grown from 60 hectares to nearly 200, pioneering estate-bottled wines in Ribera del Duero well before the appellation was formally established. By the early 2000s, Pablo’s son Ricardo advanced the estate’s evolution, embracing biodynamic farming, horse-plowing, hand harvesting, and native-yeast fermentation. In 2015, the estate became the first Demeter-certified biodynamic winery in Ribera del Duero. Uniquely, since 1988, they have also produced their own French and American oak barrels at their in-house cooperage, further tailoring the aging process to their terroir-driven philosophy.

Serving Suggestions:

Best served at 16–18 °C (60–65 °F), Los Cantos pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, roast meats, venison, and hearty stews, as well as aged Manchego or smoked cheeses. Its balance of floral elegance and savory spice also makes it a versatile companion for Mediterranean fare seasoned with herbs and olive oil.

This wine stands out as a pure expression of Ribera del Duero, combining estate-grown Tempranillo, biodynamic rigor, and precise cellar craftsmanship. With its floral lift, silky palate, and mineral freshness, it is as compelling for casual enjoyment as it is for serious collectors of Spanish reds.