Hacienda López de Haro Tempranillo 2023

Hacienda López de Haro Tempranillo is a red from D.O.Ca. Rioja produced by Bodega Classica, and a vegan-friendly wine. It is a single-varietal Tempranillo from vineyards around San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja Alta, where the grapes are picked by hand in the second and third weeks of October and carried to the winery in small trailers and boxes to keep the fruit intact. Fermentation runs naturally, and the maceration is kept as gentle and static as possible to avoid breaking the skins, which protects the fresh fruit character and keeps the tannins supple. The wine then spends four months in oak, a short ageing that adds a light vanilla and spice frame while letting the fruit lead. The wine is a vibrant red, with a nose of fresh red fruits, cherry and raspberry, lifted by subtle oak. The palate is medium bodied and juicy, with soft tannins, bright acidity and a clean, fruity finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly cooled if you prefer. It works with grilled pork, roast chicken, charcuterie and tomato-based dishes.