Abel Mendoza Guardaviñas 2023

Guardaviñas comes from Abel Mendoza Monje's 18 hectares of organically farmed vines along the Ebro at San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in the Sonsierra district of Rioja Alta. The soils are mixed and stony, alternating clay, marl and fine sandstone, and the climate is moderately continental but tempered by Cantabrian influence from the north, which holds back ripening and preserves acidity in this single-variety Tempranillo. The wine is made along natural lines, vegan and with minimal intervention, then aged 11 months in French oak. That shorter time in barrel rounds the tannins and adds gentle spice while keeping the emphasis on fresh, direct fruit rather than heavy oak. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose shows red cherry and raspberry over plum, dried herbs, liquorice and a light tobacco note. The palate is medium bodied and lively, the acidity fresh and the tannins supple, finishing clean and savoury. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees, with a short decant if you like. It is an easy match for roast pork, grilled lamb and earthy mushroom dishes.