2023 Bodegas Bela Ribera del Duero

The affordable red 2022 Bela from their vineyards in Villalba de la Ribera del Duero was produced after classifying their plots by soil, some with more sand and others with more clay. 2022 was a very dry year with an early harvest (10 days earlier than previous years) to keep the alcohol level to 14%. This had a classical vinification, fermenting the grapes in stainless steel with selected yeasts and maturing the wine in barrel for nine months. It's juicy and grapey, fresh and straightforward, easy to drink. It has a medium-bodied palate that is juicy, with a tender texture and almost unnoticeable tannins. (LG)

The 2022 Bela Crianza comes from Villalba de Duero. It was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (225L). The nose opens with notes of pine and medium red fruit, with touches of blackberry and plum. Slightly dry, angular tannins mark the vintage, though they do not disrupt the charm. The finish blends fruit and oak in a balanced way. (JH)