Malaspiedras 2022

Malaspiedras is a Rioja red from El Mozo Wines, a third-generation family operation working nine hectares spread across eighteen micro-plots around Lanciego in Rioja Alavesa. The vineyards sit on the chalky-clay soils typical of the Alavesa, which hold water through the dry Ebro-valley summers and lend Tempranillo its firm acidity and dark-fruit definition. Tempranillo leads the blend, rounded by Viura and a little Garnacha Tinta for perfume and flesh. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in French and Hungarian oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and folds in vanilla, clove and a fine cedar tone, while malolactic conversion settles the texture. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose is intense, with blackberry and ripe cherry over oak spice, tobacco leaf and a touch of leather. The palate is medium to full, the fruit carried by ripe but gripping tannins and bright acidity into a savoury, lingering finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a large glass, decanting young bottles for half an hour. It suits roast and grilled lamb, beef and aged Spanish cheeses.