At a glance

Producer

Abadía Retuerta

Region

Sardón de Duero, Castilla y León, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo (majority), Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$28-$50 USD / bottle (750ml) retail

Tasting profile

Dark cherry, plum, blackcurrant, subtle vanilla, licorice, pipe tobacco, and underbrush. Well-knit oak, balanced acidity, evolving tertiary notes.

Evolution: From primary berry flavors (2019-2022) to integrated fruit, spice, and earthy complexity (2023+).

At peak: Rich, nuanced, harmonious wine at peak. Tertiary notes increase with more years in bottle.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus; provides freshness and good aging structure.

Tannins

Medium to firm, fine-grained, integrating with age.

Alcohol

Approximately 14.5% ABV; balanced in the context of the wine.

Aging potential

Excellent; will hold several more years but is drinking beautifully now.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2027

Optimal window

2022 to 2028

Current status

Drinking well; entering peak maturity but can cellar further.

Current condition

Mature, integrated, showing optimal balance of fruit, tannin, and tertiary development.

The 2017 Selección Especial is crafted for both near- and medium-term aging, with structure and varietal complexity enabling strong development for 6-10 years post-vintage. It demonstrates harmony of oak, fruit, and regional terroir, reaching its apex 2023-2027.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, suckling pig, grilled Iberico pork, manchego cheese, wild mushroom dishes, rich stews.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to firm tannins that are integrating with age, suggesting that decanting will help soften the tannins and enhance the wine's aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Abadía Retuerta implements precision viticulture, soil preservation, integrated pest management, reduced chemical inputs, water use optimization (drip irrigation, rainwater collection), and uses lightweight bottles to reduce material use.

Abadía Retuerta is an early Spanish adopter of sustainable viticulture and certified by the Wineries for Climate Protection (WFCP). Their practices prioritize resource efficiency and environmental protection, though the lack of organic/biodynamic certification and reliance on conventional disease management moderate the score. Packaging and logistics are above-average for the region but shipping overseas increases carbon footprint. Overall, the wine scores well for sustainability relative to mainstream Spanish producers but falls short of leading organic/biodynamic standards.