Predicador 2023

Bodega Contador is the personal project of Benjamín Romeo, one of Spain's most respected winemakers, based in San Vicente de Sonsierra in Rioja. Predicador is his Rioja red, a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha grown on the varied calcareous clay and sandy soils of the Sonsierra, where the vineyards climb the slopes below the Sierra de Cantabria. The altitude and a continental climate with cold nights preserve acidity and aromatic freshness, while Garnacha adds warmth and red fruit to the Tempranillo backbone. Farming follows a respectful, sustainable approach. The wine ages 15 months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves builds a fine tannic structure and layers in vanilla, toast and sweet spice over the fruit. It pours a deep red. The nose is broad and ripe, with blackberry, black cherry and a floral, rose-like lift over toasted oak and a touch of liquorice. The palate is full and modern in style, with firm but polished tannins, concentrated dark and red fruit and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant young bottles for half an hour. It suits roast and grilled red meat and game.