Abel Mendoza Jarrarte 2019

Abel Mendoza Jarrarte is a Rioja red made from Tempranillo by a small estate in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, founded in 1988 and known for the quality it draws from carefully selected French oak. The fruit comes from vines averaging thirty five years across several plots, and older vines give lower yields and more concentrated berries with better balance. The Sonsierra sits at the cooler northern edge of Rioja under Atlantic influence, so the fruit ripens steadily while holding fresh acidity. The wine spends twelve months in French oak, which through slow oxygen exchange rounds the tannin and adds fine toast and spice while keeping the emphasis on the fruit. Colour is medium to deep cherry red. The nose shows red berries, cherry and plum with subtle spice, toast and a floral touch, and the palate is juicy and fresh with fine tannin and a clean, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb and grilled meats.