Matsu El Recio 2021

Produced by Bodega Matsu in Toro, El Recio is the heart of a distinctive trilogy of wines that celebrates the different generations of the region’s old Tinta de Toro vineyards. The project was created to showcase the extraordinary heritage of Toro, where many ungrafted bush vines have survived for well over a century thanks to the sandy soils and the region’s historical isolation from phylloxera. El Recio, meaning “the strong one”, represents the maturity and balance of middle-aged vines, bridging the youthful energy of El Pícaro and the profound concentration of El Viejo. The vineyards are farmed organically with minimal intervention, and the estate places great emphasis on preserving the natural character of these old, low-yielding vines, which thrive in Toro’s extreme continental climate of hot summers, cold winters and dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts.

Made from 100% Tinta de Toro, the local expression of Tempranillo, El Recio is fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in French oak barrels, building complexity while maintaining the purity of the fruit. The old vines produce naturally concentrated grapes, yet the wine is crafted with an emphasis on freshness and balance rather than sheer power. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum are layered with notes of cocoa, liquorice, dark chocolate, espresso and sweet spices, alongside subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with polished tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, savoury finish that prevents the wine from becoming heavy. Combining the depth expected from Toro with a refined and contemporary style, El Recio is both immediately appealing and capable of rewarding further bottle ageing.