Ai Amá 2024

Ai Amá is a young Rioja red from Bodegas Rosario Vera, made entirely from Tempranillo and bottled early to keep the fruit fresh. Rioja sits in a sheltered basin in northern Spain, where the surrounding mountains temper the climate and a mix of clay-limestone and alluvial soils gives Tempranillo its balance of fruit and acidity. Because this is a joven style with no barrel ageing, the winemaking is built around preserving primary fruit, with a clean, temperature controlled fermentation and early bottling rather than the oxidative oak ageing of classic Rioja. The result keeps the grape bright and direct. It pours a vivid, youthful purple-red. The nose is fresh and lively, with red cherry, raspberry and plum, a touch of liquorice and a peppery, earthy lift typical of young Tempranillo. The palate is light to medium bodied, with juicy red fruit, soft tannins and fresh acidity that makes it easy to drink and flexible at the table. The finish is clean and fruit-led. Serve slightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees, which suits its bright, unoaked style. It works with charcuterie, grilled pork and tomato-based dishes.