Ángeles de Amaren 2020

Ángeles de Amaren is made by Bodega Amaren in Villabuena, in Rioja Alavesa. Juan Luis Cañas founded the winery in 2009 as a tribute to his mother, and the wine blends Tempranillo with about 15% Graciano. The grapes come from terraced and hillside vineyards more than 40 years old, sheltered by the Sierra de Cantabria, which shields the vines from the worst of the Atlantic weather and lengthens the season. The chalky clay-limestone soils retain water and lend freshness and finesse. Graciano brings deep colour, firm acidity and an aromatic, peppery lift to the broader, fruit-driven Tempranillo. Ageing runs to sixteen months in a mix of French and American oak, the French adding fine spice and the American a softer vanilla and coconut tone, while gentle oxidation through the barrel knits the tannins. The wine is deep, intense red. The nose offers ripe plum and red berries with vanilla, clove, tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate is full and structured, with ripe fruit, polished tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted. It suits roast lamb and aged cheese.