Dominio De Eguren Protocolo Organic Tempranillo 2022

Protocolo is an organic young red from Dominio de Eguren, made entirely from Tempranillo. The fruit comes from the town of Páganos, in Álava, from old low-yielding vines planted on calcareous-clay soils. The clay holds water through the dry season while the limestone lends freshness, and the low yields of the old vines concentrate more flavour into the crop than a young high-cropping vineyard would give. The grapes are picked by hand to keep the fruit intact on the way to the winery, and the vineyards are farmed organically. This is made in a young unoaked style, with no barrel ageing, so the wine keeps its bright primary fruit and is bottled early for immediate drinking rather than the cellar. It pours a bright clear red. The nose opens on freshly sliced red fruit, cherry and a gentle spice. The palate is fresh and balanced, light to medium bodied, with soft tannins, juicy acidity and a clean fruit-forward finish. This is a straightforward everyday red built for the table. Serve lightly cooled at around 14 to 16 degrees. It suits grilled pork, roast chicken and tomato-based dishes.