Lagar de Aso 2024

Lagar de Aso is a Rioja Tempranillo from Castillo de Fuenmayor, made from fruit sourced across a range of growers in the region. Rioja's position, open to both Atlantic and continental influences, gives a climate well suited to Tempranillo, with enough warmth to ripen the fruit and enough cool, damp Atlantic air to retain acidity and freshness. This is a wine made by straightforward, conventional methods from harvest through to bottling: the grapes are destemmed and fermented to capture the bright primary fruit of the variety, then given a short period in oak that rounds the tannins and adds a light spice and vanilla frame without weighing the wine down. At 12.5 percent it is on the lighter, more approachable side of Rioja, made for early drinking rather than the cellar. In the glass it is bright cherry-red, with wild berry and cherry fruit on the nose, a floral lift and a touch of liquorice. The palate is fresh, flavourful and well balanced, with soft tannins and a clean, fruit-driven finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer, with everyday meals.