La Mimbrera de Exopto Coupage Tradicional 2022

Exopto bottles this Coupage Tradicional, a field-style Rioja blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta and a small portion of the white grape Viura, co-fermented in the older Rioja manner. Tempranillo gives the wine its red-fruit core and structure, Garnacha adds warmth and red berry lift, and the splash of Viura brightens the aromatics and freshens the palate. Rioja's continental climate, with hot days and cool nights, holds the acidity and keeps the fruit defined. The wine is aged twelve months in French oak barrels and a further six months in amphora; the oak softens tannin through slow oxygen exchange and adds light spice, while the amphora allows gentle micro-oxygenation without wood flavour, keeping the fruit fresh and the texture clean. It pours a medium ruby. The nose shows red berries, cherry and plum, with dried herbs, black pepper and an earthy edge. The palate is medium-bodied and savoury, with fine tannin, fresh acidity and a long, clean finish. This is a traditional, food-driven Rioja rather than a heavily oaked modern style. Serve at 16 degrees with thirty minutes of air. It suits roast and grilled meats.