At a glance

Producer

Bodega y Viñedos Cillar de Silos

Region

Ribera del Duero, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-25

Tasting profile

Ripe black cherry, plum, violets, subtle vanilla and spicy oak, earthy undertones, gentle toast.

Evolution: Develops notes of dried fruit, tobacco leaf, and leather with 3-5 years maturity. Oak flavors meld into a silky, supple palate.

At peak: At peak, a balance of vibrant fruit, smooth tannins, and complex earth/mineral notes.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, fresh and supporting aging

Tannins

Medium, slightly firm but not aggressive

Alcohol

Moderate, typically 14-14.5% ABV

Aging potential

Good for a village-level Ribera: 6-8 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2028

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Young, but approachable

Current condition

Bright fruit and vibrancy, beginning to integrate subtle oak and structure

This is a youthful, well-made Ribera Tempranillo from a reputable family-run estate. While not intended for decades-long aging, it has enough structure and balance to evolve beautifully for up to 8 years. Expect peak drinking at 4-7 years post-vintage, when fruit and tertiary notes harmonize.

Food pairing

Perfect with grilled lamb chops, Jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese, roasted eggplant, or earthy mushroom-based dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Decanting helps open young fruit, smooth tannins, and release subtle aromatics.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Estate practices organic viticulture (unofficial), uses minimal-intervention methods, partial cover cropping, and manual harvesting. Efforts toward reduced chemical use; no stated official certification. Packaging is standard glass with long-standing focus on local materials.

Cillar de Silos is recognized for responsible vineyard stewardship and has moved toward organic practices in several plots, but is not formally certified. Production is small/medium scale, primarily estate-grown fruit, which minimizes transportation inputs for grape sourcing. No broad sustainability or carbon certifications are documented. Water usage is moderate thanks to Ribera’s climate; minimal irrigation used. The winery is family-operated, focuses on low-intervention winemaking, but uses typical glass bottles. Cillar de Silos scores above average due to real-world commitment to sustainable growing, but would need official certifications, renewable energy, or eco-packaging to reach higher benchmarks.