Numanthia 2017

Winery Background and History

Bodega Numanthia, situated in Toro, Spain, was founded in 1998 and acquired by LVMH in 2008. It revitalized Toro’s ancient Tinta de Toro vineyards—many ungrafted and over 50 years old—to produce powerful, terroir-driven wines. Teso de los Carriles and other old-vine sites define its concentrated, expressive style  .

Producer and Wine Maker

The winemaking team uses careful small-lot fermentations with commercial yeasts, extensive maceration, and aging in French oak barrels (60% new) for 18 months. Their soft-extraction approach tempers the wine’s natural intensity  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The wine blends fruit from over 100 ungrafted parcels of Tinta de Toro vines planted on sandy–gravel soils at around 750 m elevation. The continental climate—hot, dry summers and cool nights—yields small, concentrated berries  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermented in stainless steel or concrete with commercial yeasts, followed by malolactic conversion. Aged in 225- and 400-liter French oak barrels—about 60% new—for approximately 18 months before bottling  .

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with cherry reflections. Aromas of dark fruit, forest floor, bark, mushrooms, ink, and black olives. On the palate it presents chewy yet polished tannins, flavors of blackcurrant, pomegranate, espresso, dried mint, and creamy dark fruit, finishing with herbal notes and earthy length  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with grilled or roasted red meats, lamb, venison, game stews, and aged Manchego or other hard cheeses. Its structure and flavor intensity work well with savory, earthy dishes.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16–18 °C in large Bordeaux-style glasses. Decant for 1–2 hours to soften tannins and fully develop aromatics.

Storage and Aging Potential

Drinkability spans 2020–2027; with proper cellaring (12–14 °C, stable humidity, dark), it can hold up to 2032. Expect further development of complexity and tertiary notes  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

15–15.5%  .

Scores

• 96 – James Suckling (“I love the aromas of bark, mushrooms and wet earth with dark fruit… full‑bodied … polish and length”) 

• 93 – Wine Spectator (“harmonious red… sculpted tannins… ripe black currant… fragrant finish”; Top 100 #50 of 2022) 

• 93 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (blend from >100 plots, matured 18 months in oak) 

• 92 – Wine Enthusiast (included among critic aggregation) ()