Sierra de Toloño Camino de Santa Cruz 2022

Sierra de Toloño is the project of Sandra Bravo, who farms high altitude Tempranillo on the steep slopes of the Sierra de Toloño, formerly the Sierra de Cantabria, in Rioja Alavesa. The vineyards sit among the highest in the region, on poor soils where the vines root tenaciously and yields stay naturally low. Altitude brings crisp air, strong winds and a wide swing between warm days and cold nights, which slows ripening and preserves acidity, giving a fresher, more vivid reading of Rioja than the warmer lowland sites. Farming is biodynamic and organic, keeping the emphasis on living soil and clear fruit. The wine ages in oak barrels, where measured oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and adds gentle spice while leaving the fruit and herbal character intact rather than burying it under oak. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose offers fresh raspberry, red cherry and plum over wild thyme, earth and a touch of black pepper. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, stony, savoury finish. Serve at sixteen degrees. It suits roast lamb, grilled meat and earthy vegetable dishes.