Villota Tinto 2021

Villota Tinto is a Rioja red built mainly from Tempranillo with Graciano, farmed with respectful agriculture from the producer's own vineyards. Rioja's finest sites sit at altitude on a mix of clay-limestone and alluvial soils, and the cooler, well-ventilated mesoclimate gives a long, even ripening that builds structure and freshness rather than overripe weight. Graciano adds acidity, colour and a perfumed, savoury lift to Tempranillo's red fruit and balance. The wine is aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, where gradual oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and weaves in spice, vanilla and a faint cedar, while malolactic fermentation rounds the texture. The result is a classic, structured Rioja rather than a fruit-forward one. It pours deep ruby with a garnet edge, the nose offering ripe red berries and plum over vanilla, clove, tobacco and leather, with a savoury earthiness underneath. The palate is medium to full bodied, firm and fresh, with fine-grained tannin and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting if young. It is made for roast and grilled meats and hard Spanish cheeses.