Orben 2022

Orben is a single varietal Tempranillo from D.O.Ca. Rioja, made by Bodegas Orben, the youngest member of the Artevino family of wineries. The fruit comes from seventy nine microplots in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa, including vines planted from 1945, a region where Mediterranean and Atlantic climates meet to give mild temperatures across most of the year. That balance of warmth and freshness ripens the Tempranillo fully while preserving acidity, and the old vine fruit brings concentration and depth to a modern, plot driven style. After fermentation the wine ages twelve months in French oak, where the oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and layers in the creamy, lightly toasted character of new wood. The colour is deep, near opaque cherry red. The nose shows wild dark berries and plum with balsamic and creamy nuances and a sweet hint of toffee. The palate is full bodied and concentrated, with ripe, polished tannins, fresh acidity and a long, smoky finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted ahead, with grilled or roasted red meat.