Teso la Monja Almirez is a red wine from DO Toro produced by Bodega Teso La Monja in Valdefinjas, Zamora. The winery was founded by the Eguren family, who also own the renowned Sierra Cantabria winery in Rioja. They have 92 hectares of their own vineyards, some of them pre-phylloxera and more than 130 years old, under a harsh continental climate with very hot summers and cold winters that shapes the opulent character of their wines. The soils are farmed with respect for the environment and as little intervention as possible; herbicides and systemic products are avoided. The grapes come from several vineyards with an average age of 15 to 65 years. They are harvested by hand, with a first selection in the vineyard and a second on a sorting table in the winery. Fermentation lasts 8 days at a controlled temperature, followed by a further 8 days of maceration on the skins. 30% of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation in new French oak barriques and the rest in stainless steel tanks. Teso la Monja Almirez is aged for 14 months. It is a structured, fruity red with silky tannins, loved by fans of concentrated wines.
