Introduction
The 2022 Bodegas Vatan Triton Tinta de Toro is a bold expression of Spain's celebrated Tinta de Toro grape, a local variant of Tempranillo, hailing from the rugged vineyards of Zamora in Castilla y León. Known for its deep concentration and intensity, this wine captures the essence of old-vine Tinta de Toro with a powerful, full-bodied style that is emblematic of the region’s best red wines. Bodegas Vatan is committed to crafting authentic, terroir-driven wines that showcase the strength and character of the Toro DO.

Terrior
Located in the Toro DO, the vineyards in Zamora sit on the Duero River Plateau, with high altitudes and a continental climate that experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters. The soils are sandy with underlying clay and gravel, which aid in water retention and stress the vines, forcing them to produce intensely flavored grapes. The old, ungrafted vines of Tinta de Toro are well adapted to these tough conditions, resulting in wines with pronounced concentration, structure, and depth.

Appearance
Dark, inky purple with an almost opaque core and deep ruby highlights at the rim. The wine’s rich color intensity reflects the concentration of old-vine Tinta de Toro, promising a full-bodied tasting experience.

Nose
The nose is rich and aromatic, filled with intense notes of ripe blackberries, black cherries, and plums, layered with hints of dark chocolate, leather, and sweet spice. There are subtle undertones of tobacco, cedar, and crushed violets, adding complexity and depth to the aromatic profile.

Palate
Full-bodied and densely packed, this wine is loaded with concentrated black fruit flavors, including blackberry, blackcurrant, and dark cherry, complemented by notes of cocoa, espresso, and a hint of vanilla from oak aging. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing a robust framework that balances the wine’s fruit richness. Bright acidity adds freshness, preventing the wine from feeling overly heavy, while the mid-palate shows hints of earthiness and mineral complexity.

Finish
Long and powerful, with lingering flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and a touch of smoky minerality. The finish showcases the wine’s balance between intense fruit and savory complexity, leaving a lasting impression of both depth and finesse.

Overall Impression
The 2022 Bodegas Vatan Triton Tinta de Toro is a muscular yet sophisticated wine that exemplifies the power and intensity of Toro’s old-vine Tinta de Toro. With its bold flavors, robust structure, and complex aromas, this wine is a perfect choice for fans of full-bodied, structured reds. It has excellent aging potential, promising to develop even greater depth and complexity over the coming years.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 15%
Farming Practices: Conventional
Producer Name: Bodegas Vatan
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Zamora, Castilla y León (Toro DO)
Grape Varietals: Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry Red Wine
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, minimal intervention to emphasize varietal purity and terroir
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork

PRODUCT OVERVIEW/REVIEWS:
World-renowned importer and consulting winemaker Jorge Ordóñez is Toro’s most important modern pioneer and the man behind today’s gloriously good offer. When Jorge first traveled to Toro in 1991 there were only five cooperative wineries, but there were acres of incredible pre-phylloxera vineyards, planted on their original rootstock. In 1995, Jorge traveled to Toro with the Eguren family of Rioja; in 1997 they established Bodegas Numanthia. They sold the estate in 2007 and Jorge founded Bodegas Vatan. One of the wines produced by Bodegas Vatan, Triton, is considered by many to be Toro’s finest value. (importer notes)

Both the 2021 and 2022 Triton are monovarietals (100% tinta de toro, otherwise known as tempranillo) sourced from old, gnarly vines that yield ultra-ripe fruit. Aged in seasoned oak for 12 months before bottling, they are redolent with black fruits and tantalizing secondary notes on the nose and palate. 

Check out the press on these wines!

2021

93 points, Decanter:
"Intense nose of plum, blackberry, and blueberry jam. Very balanced with transparent, well-defined flavors. Tannins in great harmony with the fruit, acidity, and wood (which is very subtly worked in). Flavors of plum, red cherry, and cranberry, supported by elegant structure. A zesty pull on the finish allows the fruit to linger."

92 points, Vinous:
The 2021 Tritón is a 100% Tinta de Toro sourced from Toro and was aged 12 months in used oak barrels. Dark garnet in color. The nose reveals balsamic undergrowth notes, such as thyme and rosemary, accompanied by plums and raisins. Rich and liqueur-like, the firm tannins impart their character to a velvety mouthfeel. It lingers long with a chutney-like flavor.

92 points, James Suckling:
"Pretty complex nose with roasted spices and a hint of hot stone, graphite, and blackberries. Juicy and full-bodied on the palate with a fine wrap of dusty tannins."

2022

93 points, James Suckling:
"Fine spices, blackberries, cocoa powder and graphite. This is juicy and flavorful on the palate, with a full body and a heap of dusty tannins. Tight, structured, and pretty long."

92 points, Vinous:
"The 2022 Tritón originates from Toro and has been barrel-aged for up to eight months. Garnet in color. The ripe fruit aromas include blackberry and sour cherry above a backdrop of wild herbs. Rich and indulgent, the firm yet polished tannins and balanced acidity contribute to a long-lasting and overwhelmingly satisfying palate. This is truly a Toro red."

PRODUCT DETAILS:
Producer Name: Bodegas Ordóñez
Old/New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Castile Y Léon
Sub-Region: Zamora
Appellation: Toro
Quality Designation: DO
Grape Varietals: Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)
Vintage: 2021, 2022
Product Type: Wine
Wine Style: Fuller Body Red
ABV: 15%
Pack/Size: 12/750 ml
Container Type: Dark Green Glass Bordeaux style bottle
Closure Style: Natural Cork