The 2023 Alfredo Maestro Viña Almate is a beautifully pure and vibrant expression of Tempranillo from one of Spain’s most respected natural winemakers. Produced from organically farmed vineyards around Peñafiel, Nava de Roa and Moradillo de Roa in Castilla y León, the wine blends fruit from both younger vines and old bush vines planted at elevations reaching 1,000 metres. Alfredo Maestro has become a cult figure for his uncompromising low-intervention philosophy — farming organically, fermenting with indigenous yeasts and bottling with little to no sulphur, all while avoiding the heavy oak and over-extraction traditionally associated with Ribera del Duero. Viña Almate is his original cuvée, crafted as a fresher, more floral and terroir-transparent expression of Tempranillo.
The nose reveals black cherry, plum and wild raspberry layered alongside lavender, rose petal and subtle earthy spice, giving the wine remarkable aromatic lift and immediacy. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with supple tannins, vibrant natural acidity and a juicy, fruit-driven core. Layers of dark berry fruit, mineral nuance and gentle savoury complexity unfold with excellent freshness and energy, finishing smooth, lively and beautifully drinkable with minimal oak influence. Critics and merchants consistently highlight the wine’s purity, floral profile and “only fruit and no wood” philosophy, describing it as an authentic and highly expressive modern Duero red.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Alfredo Maestro Viña Almate is a superb modern Spanish Tempranillo — vibrant, floral and effortlessly drinkable with outstanding freshness and purity. Perfect with grilled pork, charcuterie, lamb, tapas, roast chicken or smoky barbecue dishes. Enjoy now through 2030.
