Abeica Chulato 2025

Bodegas Abeica has more than five generations in D.O.Ca. Rioja, and Chulato is the carbonic-maceration red the region's bars pour by the glass. The blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and a little white Viura is fermented whole-bunch by carbonic maceration, where uncrushed berries are sealed in a tank under carbon dioxide so that fermentation begins inside each grape. This intracellular ferment extracts colour and bright fruit while leaving tannin low, which is why the wine is so juicy and immediate, with the lifted floral and red-fruit aromatics typical of the method. The fruit comes from calcareous clay soils, and the bottle sees no barrel ageing, keeping it fresh and unoaked. The colour is vibrant ruby. The nose bursts with strawberry and raspberry over redcurrant, a touch of banana, white flowers and crushed pepper. The palate is light and juicy, with low soft tannins, crunchy acidity and a clean, fruity finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 14 degrees. It is an easy, flexible wine for charcuterie, tapas and lighter dishes.