The Eguren family has been growing Tempranillo in Rioja since the 1800’s but found the quality and distinctness of D.O.Toro in Northern Spain to be where the next chapter of the family’s story would take place, originally founding Numanthia with Jorge Ordóñez. Numanthia helped change the face of D.O. Toro, showcasing the quality of the fruit from the arid region with stone and boulder-filled soils.

After the sale of Numanthia in 2007 to LVMH, the family began Teso la Monja to showcase the power with an elegance that Toro Tempranillo has. Teso la Monja Almirez ($30) is powerful and dense while providing a welcome balance, revealing tart cherry, blackberry, red plum, bitter chocolate, smoked oak, and toasted spice. Pair with brisket, short ribs, tomato-based pasta, or burgers.