Heras Cordón Expresión 2016

Heras Cordón Expresión is a single varietal Tempranillo from D.O.Ca. Rioja, made by Bodegas y Viñedos Heras Cordón. The fruit comes from plots in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa and Fuenmayor in Rioja Alta, sitting between 405 and 550 metres on very stony clay and calcareous soils. That altitude and the limestone keep the wine fresh and lend a savoury, mineral edge, while the 55 year old vines, hand harvested into small crates, give low yields of concentrated fruit. After fermentation on the skins for colour and grip, the wine is aged 22 months in French oak, where slow oxygen contact softens the tannins and adds cedar and sweet spice while the fruit takes on a more savoury, leathery character. It is medium to full bodied with a serene, layered feel, the nose showing red cherry and wild berries with bay leaf, wild herbs and a cool Atlantic freshness, the palate fine grained and balanced, leather and vanilla framing the fruit on a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheeses.