Villota Viña Gena Viñedo Singular 2022

Villota Viña Gena Viñedo Singular is a single vineyard Rioja from Bodegas Villota, named after Genara Villota, grandmother of the current winery manager. It is made entirely from Tempranillo grown on the estate's oldest plot, vines planted in 1930 and now over 90 years old. Old vines yield small crops of concentrated, deeply flavoured fruit, and their roots reach far into the clay limestone soils for a steady supply of water and minerals. Rioja's continental climate, with warm days and cool nights, preserves the acidity and aroma. After fermentation the wine ages for 12 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins and adds tobacco, leather and gentle spice to the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe red berries, plum and cherry over tobacco, leather and a savoury, earthy depth. The palate is structured and balanced, with ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish that reflects the old vine concentration. It drinks well now and will hold for years. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb and grilled meats.