CVNE Real de Asúa 2022

Real de Asua is made by CVNE, the historic Rioja house founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers in the station district of Haro, in the heart of Rioja Alta. The wine is single varietal Tempranillo from a selection of the winery's own vineyards, including the Carromaza site, farmed for quality over quantity. Rioja Alta is the coolest, highest of the region's subzones, with an Atlantic influence that keeps the climate fresh; slow, even ripening here holds the wine to a balanced 14% alcohol while preserving acidity and aromatic detail. The use of French rather than American oak, and a measured 12 months in barrel, points to a refined, modern style in which the wood frames the fruit rather than dominating it, softening tannin and adding cedar and a fine spice. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose shows red cherry and berries over tobacco, vanilla, cedar and a touch of liquorice. The palate is medium to full bodied and elegant, with fine grained tannin, fresh acidity and a long, savoury, layered finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees and decant before serving. It is a fine match for roast lamb and game.