Faustino VII

Faustino is one of the long established names of La Rioja, and Faustino VII is its youngest red, made entirely from Tempranillo. The fruit comes from carefully selected plots of old vines over 40 years of age, where lower yields concentrate flavour in the grapes. Vinification follows the traditional Rioja approach, and the wine then spends ten months in American oak barrels. American oak is the regional signature here, lending the coconut, vanilla and sweet spice that sit so naturally with Tempranillo, while the time in barrel rounds the tannins through gradual contact with oxygen. This is a wine built for early, uncomplicated drinking rather than long cellaring. The colour is a bright cherry red. The nose leads with red fruit, hints of sweet spice and a toasted, nutty character from the oak. The palate is supple, flavoursome and harmonious, medium in body, with soft tannins and a clean, gently spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is a versatile table red that suits roast and grilled meats, from lamb to pork and poultry, as well as hard nutty cheeses.