Juan Gil Rosario Vera 2021

Juan Gil Rosario Vera is a Rioja Tempranillo from Bodegas Rosario Vera, the Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta venture that Grupo Juan Gil began assembling in 2016. The fruit comes from plots around Laguardia where vines range from 15 to 60 years old, set on the clay limestone soils typical of the Alavesa, which hold water through the dry summer and lend Tempranillo its structure and freshness. The continental climate, tempered by Atlantic and mountain influence, gives a wide day to night temperature swing that slows ripening and preserves acidity and aromatic detail. The wine spends ten months in French oak, enough to round the tannin and add spice and a fine grain of toast without burying the fruit. Malolactic fermentation softens the natural acidity into a smoother, rounder texture. It is bright cherry red, with aromas of juicy blackberry, cassis and ripe cherry over plum, black liquorice and a touch of oak spice. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with fresh acidity, ripe tannin and a clean, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting young vintages briefly. It pairs well with roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheese.