La Bicicleta Voladora 2024

La Bicicleta Voladora is a young red from Germán R. Blanco, made in San Adrián in the Navarrese part of Rioja alongside his projects in Ribera del Duero and El Bierzo. Working with his friend Javier Colio, he sources Tempranillo, with a little Viura, from growers whose organically certified vines are between twenty and fifty years old, planted on very deep clay and limestone soils that retain water and keep the vines balanced through a dry summer. The wine is fermented and aged for seven months in concrete vats rather than oak. Concrete is neutral, so it adds no wood flavour, while its thick walls hold a steady temperature and allow a very slow, gentle oxygen exchange that rounds the texture and keeps the fruit fresh and primary. The result is a wine made to drink young. The colour is bright, deep cherry red. The nose shows freshly cut red berries, cherry and redcurrant with wild flowers and a peppery, earthy note. The palate is light to medium bodied and juicy, with soft tannins, lively acidity and a clean, fruit driven finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees. It pairs well with charcuterie, roast chicken and lighter dishes.