El Puntido 2022

El Puntido is the work of Viñedos de Páganos, an Eguren family winery whose cellars are carved into the rock beneath the vineyard at Páganos, near Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa. It is a single-varietal Tempranillo from one 25-hectare vineyard planted in 1975, grown at 600 metres on clay-loam soils. The altitude and the cool, Atlantic-influenced corner of the Alavesa lengthen the growing season, building depth of fruit while keeping the acidity fresh, and the established old vines give low yields and concentration. The wine ages eighteen months in French oak barrels, a long élevage that lends fine spice and grip rather than the sweeter tone of American wood, with slow oxidation through the staves polishing the tannins. The colour is deep and dense. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry, with vanilla, clove and a savoury, earthy depth. The palate is full and structured, with firm but ripe tannins, generous fruit and a long, spiced finish marked by tobacco and earth. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, and decant if young. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game.