Rosario Vera Biloba de Vera 2021

Bodegas Rosario Vera is a Rioja project from the Gil family, the Jumilla based growers known across the Spanish wine map for honest, flavourful wines. This Tempranillo comes from Rioja, where a mix of clay limestone and alluvial soils, along with the influence of the Ebro valley and surrounding sierras, gives the grape its balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity. The continental climate and diurnal range help the wine keep its lift even at 14.5 percent. It is aged 15 months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and adds vanilla, spice and a light smoky edge that frames rather than covers the fruit. Tempranillo from Rioja in this register leans savoury and structured, with red and black fruit at the core. The wine shows a deep, bright cherry red, the nose offering black pepper, plum and dark cherry with a layer of barrel spice. The palate is medium to full, the tannins fine grained, the acidity fresh, the finish long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheese.