El Pacto Valdechuecas 2021

El Pacto works a single hectare in the village of Cárdenas, in the Alto Najerilla of Rioja Alta, a plot farmed by several generations of the Acha family since 1912. The soils are conglomerate, rich in clay and iron, and the cooler, higher western reaches of Rioja give this a fresher style than wines from the warmer lowlands. Valdechuecas is an organic field blend that brings together Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and the white Malvasía and Viura, the old co-planted mix that builds complexity and a savoury character rather than pure power. After fermentation it is aged twelve months in foudres, large oak casks that round the tannin through slow oxygen exchange while adding structure rather than strong wood flavour. The colour is a bright medium ruby. The nose shows red cherry and red berries with dried herbs, liquorice and a touch of oak spice over an earthy, mineral base. The palate is medium to full bodied at 14 percent, fresh and savoury, with fine tannin and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a standard red glass. It suits roast meats and savoury dishes.