Convento San Francisco 'La Zapatera' Tempranillo 2018 100ml

Founded in 1998 within the meticulously restored remains of a 13th-century Franciscan monastery in Peñafiel, this standout Ribera del Duero estate marries historic soul with deep viticultural precision. Tending certified organic vineyards alongside century-old pre-phylloxera plots perched at extreme altitudes of up to 970 meters, Convento San Francisco acts as a pure translator of the region's diverse, rugged terroir. utilising small-batch fermentations in both concrete and oak barrels alongside a strict double-selection process, the winery crafts unfiltered, powerfully structured Tempranillo and native Albillo Mayor masterpieces—most notably their rare, single-vineyard La Zapatera and micro-production Aldeasoña—that vibrate with intense black fruit purity, complex quartz-and-clay minerality, and an honest, majestic sense of place.

Spain’s wine history stretches back to Phoenician traders, Roman viticulture and a long monastic tradition. The modern era accelerated after phylloxera pushed French winemakers south, shaping regions like Rioja. Today Spain balances heritage with innovation, reviving old vineyards and native varieties while refining quality across its diverse landscapes. Spain is one of the most dynamic wine countries in Europe, home to a huge diversity of regions and styles shaped by its varied climate and long winemaking history. You will find fresh Atlantic influenced whites from Rias Baixas and fuller reds from Ribera del Duero and Rioja, where Tempranillo is the headline grape. The appellation system is built around quality tiers such as DO and DOCa which help guide you through everything from crisp Verdejo in Rueda to deep Garnacha from Priorat. Across the country the focus is on expressing place, with modern producers leaning into freshness, balance and regional character.

Ribera del Duero sits on Spain’s northern plateau and is one of the country’s leading regions for structured, ageworthy reds. Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino, dominates plantings and thrives at the region’s high altitudes, where hot days and cool nights help build concentration without losing balance. Vineyards are spread across varied soils and elevations, giving producers plenty of scope for complexity and long-term development in their wines. Modern wineries sit alongside traditional cellars, but the focus everywhere is on precision and consistency. Ribera del Duero has built a clear reputation for powerful but controlled wines with a strong regional identity, with producers making some of the best wines out of Spain.