Angelita del Challao 2021

The Michelini family are travelling winemakers, and Angelita del Challao is Matías Michelini's Rioja project, made in a fresh, low-intervention register far from the region's heavily oaked tradition. The blend leads on Tempranillo with Garnacha, farmed biodynamically. Ageing happens in old stone lagares and concrete rather than barrel, so there is no oak flavour to mask the fruit and terroir. Twenty months in these vessels lets the wine settle slowly on its fine lees, building texture and savoury depth, followed by six months in bottle to integrate before release. The lack of new wood and the modest 12.5 percent alcohol keep the style bright and transparent. The colour is a vivid cherry red. The nose offers red cherry and wild berries with a clear earthy, mineral undertow and a whisper of dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and lifted by fresh acidity, with plum fruit, a touch of leather and fine, savoury tannins running to a clean finish. Serve at around 16 degrees, with a short decant to open the aromatics. It pairs well with roast lamb, grilled red meats and mushroom dishes.