Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Rivas de Tereso 2020

Lindes de Remelluri Rivas de Tereso is a single-village red from the Remelluri estate in the Rioja Alavesa, drawn from old vines at Rivas de Tereso on the slopes of the Sierra de Cantabria. The blend pairs Tempranillo with a generous share of Garnacha, the variety Rioja growers say makes a wine that garnachea, more fragrant and floral in style. The vines grow on poor calcareous clay soils that drain freely and concentrate the fruit, while the high, cool, continental site with its wide day-to-night temperature swing ripens the grapes slowly and holds bright acidity and aromatic detail. Farming is biodynamic, keeping the soil alive and the fruit clear, and the wine is aged 12 months in oak barrels, measured ageing that softens the tannins and adds gentle spice through slow oxygen exchange without covering the perfume. The colour is intense cherry red. The nose leads with cherry and red berries, rose and dried herbs, with black pepper and a touch of turned earth. The palate is medium to full bodied with bright acidity, supple tannins and a long, savoury finish, with liquorice on the close. Serve at 16 to 17C. It suits lamb, pork and roast chicken.