An exclusive red wine with the soul of an estate and a must-have appeal
Among the great names of Ribera del Duero there are wines capable of winning you over at first sight and others that, in addition, manage to offer something unique. This exclusive edition for Vinoselección arises from a special selection of Semele 2023, one of the most acclaimed wines from Bodegas Montebaco. A red wine that brings together the personality of a privileged vineyard, the experience of a pioneering family, and the elegance that distinguishes the best wines of the denomination.
Semele 2023 is an exclusive edition produced for Vinoselección from a specially selected batch of its renowned Semele standard. Its origin at the finca Monte Alto and the care with which each plot is tended turn this wine into a magnificent interpretation of the style that has brought prestige to Bodegas Montebaco: balance, personality and a sincere expression of the Ribera del Duero area.
Bodegas Montebaco holds a prominent position within the Ribera del Duero. Located between Valbuena de Duero and Pesquera de Duero, two of the denomination's most emblematic municipalities, the winery began its viticultural journey in the eighties with the aim of transforming the historic Monte Alto estate into a benchmark project. Its commitment to high-altitude vineyards and to respectful viticulture has helped to consolidate its prestige among enthusiasts and the specialised critics.
Produced with 90% Tinto Fino and 10% Merlot, from vineyards where vigour and yields are thoroughly controlled, Semele 2023 ferments in stainless steel tanks and subsequently ages for twelve months in oak barrels. The estate's conditions, located between 850 and 900 metres above sea level on calcareous-clay soils, provide depth, balance and a notable varietal expression.
This exclusive edition brings together all the virtues that have made Semele one of the most valued reds in its category. Its excellent value for money, the prestige of Montebaco and the appeal of a limited selection for Vinoselección make Semele 2023 a purchase especially recommended.
Consumption features
Pairing
Semele 2023 pairs very well with dishes such as a lamb stew or braised oxtail.
Between the two most famous municipalities of Ribera del Duero: Valbuena de Duero and Pesquera de Duero (Valladolid), in the so-called “golden mile” of the Ribera vineyard, stands the Monte Alto estate at an altitude of 850-900 m, like an island within the region. An estate that hosts the family winery Montebaco, with 45 hectares of vineyards surrounding the facilities, in the style of a ‘château’.
The history of Bodegas Montebaco began in 1982 when the Valladolid industrialist Manuel Esteban and his wife Mª Ángeles acquired one of the most historic estates in Valladolid: Monte Alto, with the aim of reviving and expanding the viticultural character of the estate, which in recent decades had been dedicated to extensive agriculture and livestock farming. The Esteban family restored the building that in earlier times had housed the dairy farm, converting it into a single-story winery, and in 1987 planted around twenty hectares of the tinto fino (tempranillo) variety. In 1994, they produced the first wine from the estate.
The success of the winery is based on an excellent estate-owned vineyard cultivated at an almost extreme altitude, where the vines benefit from peculiar geoclimatic characteristics. Other quality factors include respect for the environment and meticulous fieldwork to control the vigor of the vines, thereby achieving low yields of highly concentrated grapes. Additionally, the winery renews 33% of its barrels every year. In 2005, the winery expanded its scope to the D.O. Rueda, where it acquired a small verdejo vineyard.
After the passing of winemaker César Múñoz in October 2022, Manuel Esteban Martín, the founders' son, is now responsible for the wine design.
