Sierra Cantabria Colección Privada 2023

Sierra Cantabria Colección Privada is made by Bodega Sierra Cantabria, owned by the Eguren family, in San Vicente de la Sonsierra at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria in D.O.Ca. Rioja. It is a single varietal Tempranillo from two vineyards more than fifty years old. The Sonsierra sits on the north bank of the Ebro, on calcareous clay slopes sheltered by the Sierra Cantabria, with a continental climate softened by Atlantic influence. The old vines yield low, concentrated crops, while the altitude and cool nights hold acidity and give the fruit depth and aromatic definition. The calcareous clay lends a mineral backbone and fine tannin. The wine is aged eighteen months in French and American oak, a long élevage that builds structure and complexity: the American oak adds vanilla and sweet spice, the French finer grain, and the slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and integrates the powerful fruit. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe dark and red fruit, plum and cherry, with liquorice, vanilla and spice. The palate is full bodied and mature, with ripe, structured tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant. It suits roast and grilled red meats and game.