An exceptional Ribera del Duero red bringing together three grape varieties
Carmelo Rodero TSM 2021 is a red wine from the Ribera del Duero D.O., made from a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination, relatively unusual among the region's finest red wines, creates a wine with structure, elegance and a distinctive personality. Its 17 months of ageing in new French oak barrels add further depth and balance.
TSM offers a distinctive interpretation of Ribera del Duero Tempranillo, enhanced by two international grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes firmness and structure, while Merlot brings roundness and softness. The result is a full-bodied wine with fine tannins, particularly appealing to those who appreciate complex reds with good ageing potential.
75% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
The blend is one of the defining features of Carmelo Rodero TSM 2021, setting it apart within Ribera del Duero. Each grape variety plays a specific role in the finished wine:
- 75% Tempranillo: forms the foundation of the blend, providing the characteristic fruit expression and structure associated with Ribera del Duero.
- 15% Merlot: softens the overall profile, adding roundness and a silkier texture.
- 10% Cabernet Sauvignon: reinforces the structure and contributes additional complexity, particularly through its spicy character.
The grapes come from vineyards with an average vine age of 40 to 45 years, situated between 842 and 875 metres above sea level. The soils contain a mixture of sand, clay and limestone, providing varied growing conditions for the three varieties in the blend.
The grapes are harvested by hand, with selection carried out directly in the vineyard. This careful approach ensures that only suitable fruit is chosen for one of the most ambitious wines in the Carmelo Rodero range.
The 2021 vintage: Storm Filomena and a dry summer
The 2021 growing season was shaped by contrasting weather conditions. Winter began with the effects of Storm Filomena, which brought heavy snowfall and substantial precipitation. This helped replenish moisture reserves in the soil, proving particularly important during the following months.
Summer was warm and dry, with limited rainfall affecting the pace of ripening. The moisture accumulated during winter helped the vines withstand these conditions.
Despite the challenging weather, the winery rated the harvest as excellent. Careful grape selection provided the quality of fruit needed to produce a wine combining concentration, ripeness and balance.
Gravity-fed winemaking and 17 months in new French oak
TSM 2021 is produced using a gravity-fed winemaking system, allowing grapes and wine to be moved with minimal mechanical pumping. This gentle approach reduces unnecessary handling and helps preserve the natural characteristics of the fruit throughout the winemaking process.
Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels. The wine then spends 17 months in new 225-litre French oak barrels, an ageing period that helps integrate its structure and develop greater complexity.
Oak plays an important role, but maintaining harmony between the three grape varieties is essential. The concentration of Tempranillo, the firmness of Cabernet Sauvignon and the roundness of Merlot come together to create a powerful wine that remains balanced and harmonious on the palate.
According to the winery's technical information, the 2021 vintage was bottled on 24 May 2023 and has an alcohol content of 15.10% ABV. Winemaking is overseen by oenologist Beatriz Rodero.
A 99-point wine recognised by Guía Vinos Gourmets
Among the accolades received by Carmelo Rodero TSM 2021, one of the most notable is its score of 99 points in the Liga 99 Awards organised by Guía Vinos Gourmets, awarded in October 2023.
This distinction placed the vintage among the highest-rated wines assessed by the competition's tasting panel. The recognition is particularly significant for a wine that combines three grape varieties with extended oak ageing while retaining its Ribera del Duero identity.
The 2021 vintage also introduced a new look for TSM, with a redesigned label that distinguishes it from previous releases. An additional detail of interest for those who follow the development of this wine.
How to serve Carmelo Rodero TSM 2021 and what to pair it with
We recommend serving it at 16–18°C, preferably in a generously sized wine glass. Given its concentration, structure and oak ageing, it may benefit from moderate aeration before serving, particularly when opened for a leisurely tasting.
It pairs particularly well with red meats, large game, roast meats and mature cheeses. The winery also recommends pairing it with oily fish, an interesting alternative for those looking to explore less conventional food pairings with structured red wines.
At Licorea, we consider Carmelo Rodero TSM 2021 an especially appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking an exceptional Ribera del Duero with an unusual blend of grape varieties. Its combination of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, 17 months in French oak and the recognition earned by this vintage make it an excellent choice for special meals, gifts and tastings of outstanding Spanish red wines.
