Eterea Kripan Phinca San Julián 2019

Eterea Kripan Phinca San Julián is an organic red from Bodegas Bhilar, the project of David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman in Elvillar, in the Rioja Alavesa. It is made from a secluded 0.6-hectare vineyard planted with Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha and the white Viura, co-fermented in the old field-blend tradition. The Rioja Alavesa lies in the lee of the Sierra de Cantabria, on poor calcareous clay soils that hold water and reflect heat, while the cooler, higher sites keep the fruit fresh. Bhilar farms organically, working the vineyard as a single parcel. After fermentation the wine ages 24 months in barrel, where the slow ingress of oxygen through the wood softens the tannins and adds savoury, cedary complexity, while malolactic fermentation broadens the texture and tempers the acidity. The wine is cherry red with violet highlights. The nose is fresh and aromatic, with red cherry and berry fruit, spice and wild herbs over a leathery, earthy depth. The palate is medium bodied and structured, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with roast lamb or grilled meats.