Finca La Oración 2021

Finca La Oración is a varietal Tempranillo from Hacienda Grimón in D.O.Ca. Rioja, an organic estate in the Jubera Valley run by Paco Oliván, whose family has a long history of growing grapes here and began making their own wine in 1999. The Jubera Valley lies in the eastern, cooler part of Rioja, where altitude and a continental climate with warm days and cool nights let Tempranillo ripen its fruit while holding onto acidity and freshness. The vineyards are farmed organically, which favours healthy soils and balanced vines. The wine spends seven months in oak, a deliberately short ageing that softens the tannin and adds a frame of spice and vanilla through slow oxygen exchange while keeping the fruit fresh and primary. Malolactic fermentation rounds the texture. It is deep cherry red with a medium-high depth of colour. The nose shows ripe blackberry and cherry with a hint of exotic spice and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and supple, the oak restrained, the finish savoury and clean. This is a modern, fruit-forward Rioja. Serve at 16 degrees. It suits grilled and roast meats.