Martín Berasategui Cuatro Vientos 2021

Cuatro Vientos is a Rioja red from Belasco & Berasategui, one of five wines from the collaboration between the acclaimed chef Martin Berasategui and the Belasco family, growers of standing since 1580. It is a single-variety Tempranillo, the grape at the heart of Rioja. Tempranillo ripens to give red and dark fruit with moderate acidity and supple tannin, and Rioja's tradition of oak ageing shapes its character. As a crianza the wine spends time in barrel followed by a period in bottle before release, the oak adding vanilla, spice and a savoury edge while the fruit stays in the foreground. The farming is respectful and the wine is suitable for vegans. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose is red cherry, red berries and plum, with vanilla, dried herbs and a light leather note from oak. The palate is medium bodied, the tannins smooth and the acidity fresh, finishing on gentle spice. This is an approachable, food-friendly Rioja. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, beef and pork as well as hard Spanish cheese.