Alegre Valgañón Tinto 2022

Alegre Valgañón farm in the cool, high western corner of the D.O.Ca. Rioja, around the village of Villalba in Rioja Alta, where altitude and clay-limestone soils give wines more freshness and lift than the warmer parts of the region. This red blends Garnacha and Tempranillo, the Tempranillo bringing structure and dark fruit and the Garnacha adding red berry brightness and a peppery edge. The fruit is aged ten months in separate containers before blending, an unhurried élevage that lets the components round out and integrate while keeping the wine fresh rather than heavily oaked. It is medium to deep ruby in the glass, with a nose of red berries, plum, dried herbs and a stony, earthy minerality. The palate is balanced and savoury, with bright acidity, fine tannins and a leathery, herbal finish that reflects the cool site more than the cellar. At 14.5 percent it has weight but stays poised. Serve at 16 degrees in a Burgundy glass, decanting briefly if young. It pairs naturally with lamb, grilled beef and mushroom dishes.