Their line-up has expanded over the years and includes value whites like stalwart “Viña Sol,” value reds like the sure bet “Sangre de Toro,” as well as higher end bottlings like “Gran Sangre de Toro,” “Mas la Plana” and super cuvée “Gran Muralles.” Not only that, they have expanded production to Chile, California and outside of Catalonia in Spain to the prestigious Ribera del Duero appellation with “Celeste.”

Set in central Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero is approximately 2800 ft above sea level and has an extreme continental climate marked by wide temperature swings, in summer soaring above 40ºC during the day and falling abruptly at night. Extreme temperatures and long dry summers mean that the fruit acquires both excellent ripeness and good levels of acidity, which results in wines with great structure and the potential for long aging.

Celeste is a rich, yet refined Ribera del Duero value, brimming with ripe black fruit scents and flavors. Deep, opaque ruby/purple in color, the nose is bright with black cherry and blackberry aromas and soft oak tones. The palate is creamy and the deep core of black fruit is accented by lively hints of raspberry and classic Ribera del Duero touches of earthy game. This elegant red is a great value and will pair beautifully with roast pork, stews, lamb chops or steak.

—Donald