Sierra Cantabria Cuvée 2020

Sierra Cantabria is a long-established Rioja producer, and this Cuvée is a single-variety Tempranillo from the estate's own vineyards in Laguardia and Labastida in Rioja Alavesa. The vines average around 30 years old and grow on clay-limestone soils, farmed with organic fertiliser and harvested by hand with a double selection of the fruit. The clay-limestone holds water and lends structure and freshness, while the elevation and cooler northern climate of this part of Rioja give a long ripening season that preserves acidity and aromatic finesse. Tempranillo is the region's signature grape, mid-weight and adaptable, taking well to oak. The wine spends twelve months in a mix of French and American oak. American oak contributes vanilla and coconut-tinged spice, French oak a finer grain and slower oxygen exchange, together rounding the tannin and adding the cedar and savoury character of classic Rioja. The colour is a deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe cherry and plum with vanilla, tobacco and cedar. The palate is medium to full bodied and savoury, the fruit and oak in balance, with bright acidity, supple tannin and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It pairs with roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheese.