Torre de Oña El Camino 2023

Torre de Oña was founded in 1995 by La Rioja Alta in Rioja Alavesa, and El Camino is a limited cuvée built mainly on Tempranillo from the estate's older parcels. The vineyards sit on the clay and limestone soils typical of Rioja Alavesa, which hold water through the dry summer and lend Tempranillo its structure and freshness. The climate is influenced by the shelter of the Sierra de Cantabria and a wide diurnal range, so the grapes ripen steadily while keeping their acidity and bright fruit. The wine is aged 14 months in 500 litre French oak barrels, larger than the standard barrique, so the oak contact is gentler and the slower oxygen exchange firms the tannins and adds spice without dominating the fruit. The colour is a deep cherry red. The nose leads with fresh cherry and raspberry, moving into vanilla, sweet spice and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is structured and balanced, with fine tannins, lively acidity and a long, lightly spiced finish. It drinks well now and will gain complexity over a few years. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decant briefly, and pair with roast lamb or grilled red meats.