Hermanos Hernáiz El Pedal Tempranillo 2024

El Pedal is the young, fruit-driven Tempranillo from Hermanos Hernaiz, owners of Finca La Emperatriz in Banos de Rioja since 1996. The estate sits in Rioja Alta, the cooler, higher western end of the denomination, where the climate is fresher and the wines keep their acidity and aromatic lift. La Emperatriz spans more than 100 hectares of clay-limestone soils that suit Tempranillo, the grape behind most red Rioja. This is the entry wine in the range, made to show the fruit rather than the cellar, so it spends only a short time in separate containers over twelve months, keeping the emphasis on freshness rather than oak character. The shorter ageing and cooler site preserve the variety's bright red fruit and gentle tannin. The colour is a youthful purple-edged ruby. The nose leads with raspberry, cherry and red plum over red currant, pepper and a light herbal note. The palate is light to medium bodied, with soft tannin, lively acidity and a clean, juicy finish. Serve lightly cooled at 14 to 16 degrees. Good with roast pork, poultry and lighter dishes.