Conde de los Andes Tinto 2018

Conde de los Andes Tinto is a single-variety Tempranillo from the Ollauri winery in D.O.Ca. Rioja, a long-established name in the region. The vineyards lie in Rioja Alta, between Haro, Ollauri and Briñas, and average around 50 years of age, with low yields and concentrated fruit. The climate is continental Mediterranean with a strong Atlantic influence, giving warm days and cool nights, while the clay and limestone soils hold the wine's high natural acidity and lend it freshness and length. After harvest the grapes ferment for three weeks in stainless steel, a slow maceration that draws colour and tannin, before the wine ages 14 months in French oak and a further 12 months in bottle. That long oak and bottle ageing develops the savoury, tertiary character of classic Rioja while softening the tannins through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is ruby with a garnet edge, the nose offers red cherry and berries over leather, tobacco and sweet spice. The palate is medium to full bodied at 14 percent, with ripe tannins, bright acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits roast lamb and aged cheese.