El Pacto 2021

El Pacto comes from D.O.Ca. Rioja, made by Bodega Classica entirely from Tempranillo. The fruit is drawn from old vines over 70 years old planted across Rioja's uneven terrain of slopes and terraces, where moderate rainfall concentrated in winter and good ventilation keep the grapes healthy and balanced. Vines of this age crop small quantities of concentrated fruit, which carries the flavour and the firm but ripe tannin of this wine. After fermentation it spends fourteen months in French oak. That extended barrel ageing allows slow oxygen exchange through the staves, softening the tannins and adding the vanilla, spice and toasted character that frame the fruit rather than mask it. It is certified organic and vegan. The colour is deep with a garnet edge. The nose shows forest fruits, liquorice and undergrowth alongside oak spice. The palate is full and structured, with savoury depth, fine tannin and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead to open the aromatics. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged Manchego.