Luis Alegre Parcela Nº 5 2019

Bodegas Luis Alegre farms this single-vineyard Tempranillo organically in Rioja Alavesa, from vines over forty-five years old in the Rihondillo site within the natural park of Las Lagunas de Laguardia. No synthetic chemicals are used, and the limestone and stony soils push the old vines to low yields with concentrated, characterful fruit. The cool, high country of Rioja Alavesa, sheltered by the Sierra de Cantabria, gives a long ripening season and a wide day-to-night temperature range that fixes colour and aroma while holding acidity, important for a ripe wine at fifteen per cent. The grapes are hand-harvested and the clusters selected, then fermented and macerated for colour and structure before fourteen months in a mix of French and American oak. The two oaks layer cedar and sweeter vanilla while the slow ageing polishes the tannins. Expect a deep, full-bodied red with ripe plum and black cherry, liquorice, tobacco and a vanilla and peppery oak spice. The palate is dense and structured, the old-vine concentration framed by firm but ripe tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant. A red for roast and grilled red meats.