Contino Viña del Olivo 2022

Vina del Olivo is Contino's modern but refined Rioja, made from Tempranillo with a portion of Graciano grown around the Finca de San Rafael in D.O.Ca. Rioja. The estate sits in a bend of the Ebro on clay and limestone soils, where the warm days and cool nights of Rioja Alavesa ripen the fruit while preserving the acidity that the Graciano sharpens further. The grapes are picked by hand at full ripeness and rigorously selected, then destemmed and fermented in 10,000 litre wooden vats, which gives a gentle, even extraction of colour and tannin. The wine ages for around 17 months in French and American oak, the French bringing fine spice and structure and the American a softer vanilla and coconut sweetness. In the glass it is deep ruby, with ripe red fruit, plum and cherry over tobacco, vanilla and a balsamic, peppery lift. The palate is medium to full, polished and savoury, with ripe tannin and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheeses.