Diego Magaña Carramonte 2022

Diego Magaña works in La Rioja, trained at the Escuela de Viña y Vino de Madrid and through stints abroad before returning to make wine under his own name. Carramonte is a blend led by Garnacha and Tempranillo with Graciano for colour and acidity and a little white Viura, the kind of mixed planting traditional to Rioja's old vineyards. Rioja sits in a sheltered valley where the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates meet, with clay limestone and alluvial soils that lend freshness and a fine structure. Co fermenting and ageing several grapes together gives the wine its balance, the Graciano framing the rounder Garnacha and Tempranillo fruit. Time in oak barrel rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds a light vanilla and spice without dominating. The colour is a bright cherry red. The nose shows ripe black cherry, blueberry and red berries, with a floral lift and a touch of sweet spice. The palate is medium bodied and supple, with fresh acidity, soft tannins and a clean fruity finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb and grilled meats.