3 Viñerones La Esquirla del Bardallo 2018 2019

La Esquirla del Bardallo is the work of three winegrowers, Javier García of 4 Monos, Carlos Sánchez of Las Bacantes and Nacho Jiménez of Alma, who came together over one vineyard. The site sits at El Bardallo in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in Rioja Alta, close enough to the Sierra de Cantabria for the mountains to cool the vineyard. That cooler microclimate slows ripening and lengthens the growing season, which preserves acidity and builds balance in the fruit. The wine is mostly Tempranillo with Viura, a field-style pairing of red grape and white, and is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds cinnamon, vanilla and toast. The result is a deep, savoury and fruit-forward red. Expect dark fruit of blueberry, blackberry and plum with sweet spice and a firm, earthy structure. The palate is concentrated but fresh, with ripe tannins and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted. It pairs with roast and grilled meats and earthy dishes.