Viñedos de Páganos Calados del Puntido 2020

Vinedos de Paganos sits in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, the project of the Eguren family, long established growers in the region. Calados del Puntido is a Tempranillo named after the underground rock cut cellars traditionally used for ageing, which hold steady temperature and humidity. The vines grow on the poor, calcareous clay soils of the Alavesa, which drain well, reflect light and lend the wine its mineral backbone. The altitude and the wide day to night temperature swing slow ripening, so the fruit keeps acidity and colour while reaching full maturity at 14.5 per cent. The wine ages 16 months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange firms the tannin and adds vanilla, toast and a savoury, cedary depth. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose layers ripe and fresh red fruit, wild berry, liquorice, sweet spice and a stony, earthy note. The palate is full and structured, with ripe, fine grained tannin, dark fruit and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant ahead of the meal. It is at home with roast lamb, grilled beef and aged sheep's cheese.