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Bodegas Protos Crianza Ribera del Duero 2020

Updated · Sep 9, 2026

Producer: Bodegas Protos
Region: Ribera del Duero · ES
Vintage: 2020
Grapes: Tempranillo

Bodegas Protos Crianza is an emblematic Tempranillo produced in the heart of Ribera del Duero. Founded in 1927 in Peñafiel beneath the historic castle, Protos crafts this Crianza from hillside vineyards situated at elevations above 750 metres, where extreme diurnal shifts yield optimal phenolic maturity and fresh natural acidity. The wine spends around a year in a combination of French and American oak barriques followed by extensive bottle conditioning, showcasing the classical power, structure, and polished fruit expression synonymous with Ribera del Duero.

Tasting review

From the review saved in Maison Apéro for this wine and vintage.

Structured tasting profile

ClarityClear

IntensityDeep

ColorRuby

Aroma intensityMedium+

DevelopmentDeveloping

SweetnessDry

AcidityMedium+

TanninMedium+

AlcoholHigh

BodyMedium+

Flavour intensityMedium+

FinishMedium+

QualityOutstanding

Readiness for drinkingCan drink, with potential

Primary

Black fruit, Red fruit, Spice

Secondary

Oak

Tertiary

Bottle age (red)

Quality markers

✓ Balance, ✓ Length, ✓ Intensity, ✓ Complexity

Up to 8 aromas across all three categories, with a target of 4–5 palate flavours. Only supported descriptors are listed; absences do not count as aromas. Red check counts are not scores.

Expert commentary

The wine displays textbook Tinta del País typicity, marked by intense black and red fruit interlocked with sweet oak spice and emerging savoury nuances. Its generous warmth and alcohol are seamlessly counterbalanced by energetic mountain acidity and ripe, fine-grained tannins, ensuring impressive structural tension and lingering persistence.

Serving and ageing guide

The wine is currently in a state where it can drink now but has potential for ageing. The concentrated core of blackberry and plum fruit is supported by lively high-altitude acidity and a firm, well-integrated tannic architecture, allowing it to evolve comfortably for another 4 to 6 years. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C after decanting for approximately 45 minutes to allow the tight oak and fruit layers to unfurl. Pair with roasted lamb chops, grilled ribeye steak, or aged Manchego cheese. In evaluation, this wine demonstrates very good quality. The aroma intensity on the nose is medium plus, mirrored by an equally expressive medium plus flavour intensity on the palate, showing flawless agreement between olfactory and gustatory concentration. The wine achieves admirable balance, as its elevated alcohol is buffered by fresh acidity and ripe fruit extract. While exhibiting notable complexity and length, it falls just short of outstanding due to oak that remains slightly assertive and a finish that, while sustained, lacks the profound multifaceted dimension of top-tier Gran Reservas.

Appearance

Tasting Review Example Réserve

Advanced analysis Grand

Nose

Tasting Review Example Réserve

Advanced analysis Grand

Palate

Tasting Review Example Réserve

Advanced analysis Grand

Quality

Tasting Review Example Réserve

Advanced analysis Grand

Readiness for drinking

Tasting Review Example Réserve

Advanced analysis Grand

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Maison Apéro uses a multi-stage validation process. This tasting review is data-driven reference information created from wine information and analytical signals. Actual aromas, flavours and condition may vary by bottle, storage, service and individual perception, so it is not a definitive assessment.