El Lebrero 2021

Wine Description for El Lebrero 2021 by Felix Callejo

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, rich lemon yellow – a wine that promises substance at first glance.

Nose

Initially closed and reductive, then an impressive aromatic unfolding: passion fruit and pineapple dominate first with exotic opulence, both candied and grilled. Grapefruit and pear add brighter, fresher notes, whilst lemon zest brings herbal freshness. Beneath lies a fascinating mineral layer with chalky notes, a hint of cold smoke and delicate hazelnut nuances – complex and multi-layered.

Palate

Linear, precise, mineral. The texture surprises: fine tannin – unusual for a white wine – lends structure and grip, harmonising elegantly with the fruit. Light bitterness provides tension. With air, a seductive smoothness develops, creamy texture envelops the palate. The nutty-spicy aromas take over, whilst the exotic fruit and chalky minerality create perfect balance.

Finish

Remarkably long and persistent. The mouthfeel remains present, the mineral notes linger – a wine of genuine depth.

Terroir & Origin

From a reclaimed vineyard in Sotillo de la Ribera, Ribera del Duero. The vines grow at extreme altitude between 830 and 930 metres on clayey loam and sandy limestone – conditions that give this wine its distinctive minerality and freshness. The cool, windy heights of the plateau near Burgos fundamentally shape its character.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Albillo Mayor, an indigenous variety of the region, from just three hectares. Hand-harvested and processed by gravity. One third fermented with skin contact in steel tank, two thirds in 500-litre barrels and concrete eggs. Eight months on lees for the larger portion – a vinification that builds complexity and structure without masking the fruit.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with grilled fish or scallops, risotto with porcini mushrooms, veal sweetbreads, mature hard cheese or poultry in cream sauce. The texture and tannin demand substantial dishes.

Special Characteristics

A white wine with tannin and extraordinary structure – proof that Albillo Mayor can achieve great things in the right hands. Requires air and the right glass for full expression. A fascinating representative of its origin.