Akutain Cosecha 2023

Bodega Akutain works in La Rioja in northern Spain, a family winery now led by Jon Peñagaricano, who keeps to a classic, understated Rioja style. This Cosecha is a young red made from Tempranillo, the region's main grape, and is bottled without oak ageing to show the fruit at its freshest. Rioja's continental climate, tempered by Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, and its clay and limestone soils give Tempranillo its balance of ripe fruit and structure, while early bottling keeps the wine bright and primary. With no time in barrel, the wine relies on careful fermentation to capture clean red fruit and supple texture rather than wood flavour. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose leads with ripe strawberry, red cherry and redcurrant over a subtle earthy, peppery note. The palate is light to medium bodied, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and an easy, fruity finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, and a light chill suits it in warm weather. It is a versatile everyday red for charcuterie, roast poultry and pork.