Oxer Tartalo 2024

Oxer Bastegieta is a young Basque winemaker working old vineyards in Rioja in a traditional, low intervention manner. Tartalo blends Tempranillo with Viura and Graciano, the classic Rioja partners, the white Viura lending freshness and aromatic lift and Graciano adding acidity and structure. Rioja's clay and limestone soils give Tempranillo its balance of fruit and savour, while the region's mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influence and cool nights keeps the fruit fresh. The wine ages twelve months in oak barrels, a moderate élevage in which slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds gentle spice and vanilla without overwhelming the fruit, in the style of a traditional Rioja crianza. The colour is medium ruby. The nose shows red cherry, plum and strawberry over dried herbs, a little spice and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity, fine grained tannin and a clean, savoury finish at a moderate thirteen per cent. Serve at sixteen degrees. It suits roast lamb, grilled pork and cured meats.