Jose Gil El Bardallo 2024

Jose Gil El Bardallo comes from José Gil, part of a new generation of independent growers reviving the role of the vigneron in La Rioja by farming their own old vines and making the wine themselves. The estate is rooted in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in Rioja Alta, where Tempranillo grows on clay and limestone soils at altitude with a strong Atlantic influence that keeps the fruit fresh and the wines structured. A small proportion of the white grape Viura is co-fermented in the traditional Rioja manner, which lifts the aromatics and adds freshness to the red. The vines are farmed organically. After fermentation the wine ages for ten months in oak, used barrels rather than new, so the wood rounds the tannins and adds subtle spice while leaving the fruit and terroir in the lead. It is bright and medium bodied in the glass, with red cherry and berry fruit on the nose over dried herbs, black pepper and a stony, earthy minerality. The palate is fresh and savoury, the tannins fine grained, the finish long and mineral. Serve at 16 degrees with roast lamb, grilled beef or aged cheese.