Aiurri Salas 2021

Aiurri Salas comes from Rioja Alavesa, the project the Spanish house Alma Carraovejas built after making its name in Ribera del Duero and Ribeiro. The wine is a field blend led by Garnacha and Graciano with Tempranillo and a little of the white Viura, farmed under sustainable methods. Rioja Alavesa lies in the cooler, higher western corner of Rioja, on limestone and clay soils that hold freshness and lend the wines their fine-grained structure and savoury, herbal lift. The grapes are vinified and aged eighteen months in separate containers by variety, which keeps each component distinct before blending and preserves detail and aromatic freshness. The colour is a bright medium ruby. The nose shows ripe blackberries with a clear menthol note, basil and fresh herbs over a touch of earth. The palate is medium bodied and subtle, with fine tannins, crisp acidity and a spicy, herb-edged red-fruited finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It suits roast lamb, grilled red meat and mushroom dishes.