Viña Sastre Pago de Santa Cruz 2022

About Pago de Santa Cruz 2022

Viña Sastre Pago de Santa Cruz 2022 is a distinctive red wine from Ribera del Duero, created with a focus on terroir, precision, and old vines. The wine comes from a single specific plot – the so-called “Pago Santa Cruz” – where high-altitude vineyards and calcareous clay soils contribute to the wine's structure and depth. The combination of low yield, manual harvesting, and gentle vinification results in a wine with both power and finesse. It is a wine that appeals to the experienced wine drinker who seeks complexity and ageing potential over immediate fruit.

History

Since its beginning, Bodegas Sastre has had an uncompromising approach to winemaking, with a focus on sustainable viticultural methods and minimal intervention. The Pago de Santa Cruz vineyard is located at an altitude of around 800 metres near La Horra, where large temperature fluctuations between day and night ensure a slow and balanced ripening. The vines are up to 80 years old, which results in naturally low yields and high concentration. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo a strict selection before being traditionally vinified and aged in new American oak barrels for up to 18 months.

Tasting notes

In the glass, the wine is a deep cherry-red with violet hues. The nose is complex and layered with notes of:

• Dark berries: blackberries, plums, and cherries
• Spices: nutmeg, fennel, and cinnamon
• Secondary aromas: tobacco, cocoa, coffee, and vanilla

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured with lively tannins and an impressive length. The fruit is ripe and intense, but balanced by a freshness and a spicy note from the barrel. The finish is persistent and develops gradually, making the wine suitable for both current enjoyment and ageing.

Grapes & vinification

The wine is made from 100% Tempranillo (Tinta del País) from old vines. The advanced age of the plants contributes to a special concentration and complexity in the grape material.

Key elements in the production:

• Manual harvest in small crates
• Double sorting of grapes
• No use of herbicides or pesticides
• 18 months of ageing in new American oak barrels

This approach ensures a wine where the character of both the grape and the terroir stands out clearly.

Serving suggestions

Pago de Santa Cruz is ideal for rich dishes and gastronomic experiences. It should be served at 14–16 °C and benefits from being decanted before serving.

Suitable pairings:

• Grilled beef or red deer
• Braised dishes and stews
• Mushroom-rich dishes and truffle
• Aged cheeses

The wine has significant ageing potential (15–25 years), during which it will develop further complexity and elegance.