Alabaster 2012

Description

About Alabaster

Teso la Monja Alabaster is a red wine from the DO. Toro produced by Bodega Teso La Monja in Valdefinjas, Zamora. This winery was established by the Eguren family, who also own the renowned Sierra Cantabria winery in La Rioja.

They own 92 hectares, some of which are pre-phylloxera vineyards over 130 years old, subjected to a harsh continental climate with extremely hot summers and very cold winters, which define the opulent character of their wines. The land is cultivated in an environmentally friendly manner, applying minimal interventions when working the soil. Neither herbicides nor systemic products are used.

Teso la Monja Alabaster is crafted from Tinta de Toro grapes sourced from very old, pre-phylloxera vines with very low yields. The harvest is conducted manually, and the grapes are meticulously selected.Upon arrival at the winery, another selection is made, berry by berry, and destemming is done manually. The grapes are traditionally foot-trodden, and fermentation occurs in open tanks with gentle pump-overs. The malolactic fermentation and maturation take place in new French oak barrels, where the wine ages for 18 months.Teso la Monja Alabaster is a velvety red wine, well-balanced, elegant, powerful, and complex, with a long and persistent finish.

Tasting notes

Alabaster 2025 presents itself with a deep and intense hue, already hinting at the promise of what’s to come. On the nose, it offers an explosion of black fruits such as blackberries and plums, accompanied by a hint of spices like pepper and clove. On the palate, its entry is powerful, with well-structured tannins that contribute to a robust and rounded body. Its mature character is evident, offering a long and persistent finish. This vintage, marked by stable weather, has allowed for optimal grape ripening, resulting in a wine with exceptional qualities and a memorable aromatic profile. Undoubtedly, an excellent choice for lovers of intense and complex wines.

Teso la Monja Alabaster 2024 Avanzada epitomises the quintessential character of Toro. In the glass, it displays a profoundly deep red hue that is almost mesmerising. On the nose, it captivates with intense aromas of ripe dark fruits such as blackberries and plums, complemented by spicy notes reminiscent of black pepper and a subtle hint of liquorice. On the palate, it is powerful and flavourful, with firm yet silky tannins that intertwine with a perfectly balanced acidity. The aftertaste unfolds smoothly and enduringly, leaving an impression of elegance. This wine is a gem for those seeking a rich and well-defined experience. 2024 emerges as a promising vintage, with grapes that have matured under ideal conditions, unveiling the full potential of the Toro region.

Alabaster 2023 is a barrel-aged red wine that stands out for its elegance and balance. On the nose, it offers floral aromas and ripe fruit notes such as plums and blackberries, with a spicy touch that adds complexity. On the palate, it feels light despite its concentration and power, with a noticeable but not overwhelming influence of new oak. This wine has a delicate and perfumed profile, and it promises to evolve beautifully with time in the bottle.

Alabaster 2022 is a red wine that on the nose offers pleasant fruity aromas accompanied by floral and spicy notes and a touch of wood, without being overwhelming. On the palate, it is powerful and elegant. A red wine of precise acidity, with ripe tannins that will polish over time, and a long, lingering finish.

The climate year in Toro was the same as its close neighbors in Ribera de Duero: hot and dry. With one big exception: they didn’t suffer the tragic frost of April 28. The spring began with high temperatures resulting in early budding, and later a sudden drop in temperatures caused the slowdown of the growth cycle again. The late spring and early summer suffered high temperatures that advanced the cycle. In late July and August, temperatures eased up and some precipitation ensured the water reserves until the end of the harvest, improving acidity and giving fruitiness to the wine.

Powerful, strong, elegant and serious wine, with a lot of volume and a great body. It has a silky texture and a long, very tasty, meaty mid palate, full of notes of black fruit jam in all its nuances. It shows and excellent acidity and nice tannins that need some time to finish polishing. Very long and very persistent finish.

Intense, dark and deep cherry colour. Clean and bright wine with elegant slow-falling tears.

Intense, concentrated aromas, with a huge load of pleasant notes of fruit, with lots of ripe black fruit, almost jam, mixed with intense creamy and milky aromas, elegant notes of wood and great mineral touches. In the background, light floral aromas.

Powerful, strong, elegant and serious wine, with a lot of volume and a great body. It has a silky texture and a long, very tasty, meaty mid palate, full of notes of black fruit jam in all its nuances. It shows and excellent acidity and nice tannins that need some time to finish polishing. Very long and very persistent finish. A great unforgettable wine to be enjoyed slowly.

Intense, dark and deep cherry colour. Clean and bright wine with elegant slow-falling tears.

Intense, concentrated aromas, with a huge load of pleasant notes of fruit, with lots of ripe black fruit, almost jam, mixed with intense creamy and milky aromas, elegant notes of wood and great mineral touches. In the background, light floral aromas.