Murmurón 2023

Murmurón is a young red Rioja from Sierra Cantabria, made from Tempranillo grown on the winery's own vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, in the cooler Rioja Alta. The grapes are hand harvested in early October so the bunches arrive intact and do not start fermenting on the way in. The wine is made by carbonic maceration: whole, unbroken bunches ferment inside the berry for eleven days before pressing, a method that draws out colour and juicy red fruit while keeping tannin low and adding the floral, faintly bubblegum lift the technique is known for. There is no oak ageing, so the fruit stays fresh and primary. It is bright violet-tinged ruby. The nose is lively with red berries, cherry and red currant over rose and other floral notes, with a light earthy edge. The palate is light and juicy, the tannins soft, finishing crisp and easy. This is a red to drink young and slightly chilled rather than to keep. Serve at 13 to 14 degrees, lightly cooled. Good with charcuterie, roast pork, poultry and buffet food, where it stays out of the way.