What it pairs with
-
Roast suckling pig
Rich fat-crisped cochinillo and the wine's tobacco and dark fruit are a traditional Castilian pairing. -
Slow-braised lamb shanks
Extended braising and the wine's leather and dried-fruit complexity are mutually complementary. -
Aged Manchego
Hard sheep's milk cheese amplifies the wine's traditional Castilian character.
How to serve Protos Reserva
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast suckling pig, Slow-braised lamb shanks, Aged Manchego. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Protos Reserva has been produced since the establishment of DO Ribera del Duero in 1982, adding extended oak ageing to the Crianza style. It represents the more classic, structured expression of the estate's Tinto Fino.
- 1927 — Bodegas Protos founded
- 1982 — DO Ribera del Duero granted; Protos Reserva first produced
Facts
- Producer
- Bodegas Protos
- Grapes
- Tinto Fino (100%)
- Classification
- DO Ribera del Duero
- Oak
- 18-20 months in American and French oak barrels
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- €20-35 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1982
Frequently asked about Protos Reserva
When should I drink Protos Reserva?
Drink 5-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Protos Reserva?
Roast suckling pig is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Slow-braised lamb shanks and Aged Manchego. Rich fat-crisped cochinillo and the wine's tobacco and dark fruit are a traditional Castilian pairing.
What grapes are in Protos Reserva?
The blend is Tinto Fino (100%). The wine is classified as DO Ribera del Duero.