Paco García Seis 2024

Paco García is a small family winery in Murillo de Río Leza in the Rioja Oriental, run since 2008 by Juan Bautista and his wife Ana. Seis is a fruit forward Tempranillo named for its six months of barrel ageing. The clay and limestone soils of the region hold water through the dry season and underpin the wine's structure, while the continental climate tempered by altitude gives ripe Tempranillo fruit with fresh acidity. After fermentation the wine rests for six months in 225 litre French oak barrels. This short ageing in standard Bordeaux sized barriques is enough for slow oxygen exchange to soften the tannins to a velvety texture and add a light touch of vanilla and spice, while keeping the focus firmly on the bright primary fruit. The colour is a vivid cherry red. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and plum with a gentle dusting of oak spice and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied, supple and juicy, with soft, velvety tannin and a clean red fruit finish. Serve lightly cool, around 16 degrees, in a standard red glass. It is an approachable, food friendly Rioja.