Exopto Cosecha 2024

Bodegas Exopto makes this Rioja red from a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Graciano, grown on vineyards that average around fifty years of age. The grapes are picked by hand into small twelve kilo boxes to keep the fruit intact, then fermented in concrete tanks at low temperatures, a method that protects freshness and primary fruit aromas. After a fifteen day maceration to draw out colour and gentle tannin, the wine is aged for around six months split between concrete and oak. Concrete adds nothing of its own but allows the wine to settle, while the brief time in oak rounds the tannins and adds a touch of spice without dominating. The aim is to marry the freshness and fruit of a young wine with a little structure from the wood. The colour is a bright cherry red. The nose shows ripe strawberry, cherry and plum, with a herbal lift and a dusting of pepper. The palate is fresh and juicy, medium bodied, with soft, barely noticeable tannins and a clean finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It pairs with lamb, beef and pork dishes.