Description

If Rioja isn’t on your radar, why not? It is like a glorious mash up of Shiraz and Pinot Noir that drinks well young but ages remarkably well. It is very red meat friendly or is great drinking without accompaniment. This is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 15% Garnacha. The nose is a lovely mix of red fruits, aniseed and sweet spices. There is a hint of earth and a soft, elegant and round palate that is seamless. Drink it now to 2022. Paired with game or veal it will really sing.

An estate that can trace its roots back to 1882. They have a simple philosophy of preserving the flavours from the vineyard in the bottle. They have 70 hectare which they use to craft classic styled Rioja that is elegant, savoury and built to last.

D.O Rioja – A large and varied region and Spain’s quality flagship. Sub-regions Alta and Alavesa are the high altitude cooler parts that show elegant and almost Burgundian Tempranillo wines. Baja is the low hot lands sub region where Garnacha (Grenache) becomes more important. Producer is the most important determiner of quality as producers range from traditional savoury wines to modern silky, pure wines. The whites can be neutral and simple through to pretty and silky affairs.

Crianza – red wines are aged for 2 years with at least 6 months in oak. Crianza whites and rosés must be aged for at least 1 year with at least 6 months in oak.

Tempranillo – Top quality grape grown all over the Peninsula (with many pseudonyms). It can be used for Rosado or Joven (released after 6 months) all the way up to Gran Reserva (60 months in the winery). It ages very well and top examples are said to compare to Burgundy. Cherry and cola are typical descriptors, it has moderate to low acid,  moderate tannin and the naturally high pH allows for a silky mouthfeel that is not seen in other red wines.