Finca Torrea 2020

Finca Torrea is a Rioja red from Marqués de Riscal, sourced from the old vineyard that rings the Finca de Torrea estate where the winery itself stands. It blends Tempranillo with Graciano, the latter adding colour, acidity and a peppery savoury lift to the Tempranillo core. Fermentation runs in small stainless steel tanks at a temperature held below twenty-five degrees, a cool ferment that preserves the freshness and fruit character of the grapes. After fermentation the wine completes its malolactic conversion, softening the sharper malic acidity into rounder lactic acidity, then ages eighteen months in French oak barrels from the Allier forest, prized for its tight grain and fine, measured spice. The style is deliberately more modern than the house classics. It pours deep ruby. The nose shows ripe red and dark fruit, vanilla and a tobacco and cedar character from the oak. The palate is medium to full bodied, with fresh acidity from the Graciano, fine tannins and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant young bottles. It suits roast lamb and grilled meats. This wine is suitable for vegans.