Viñedos de Páganos Corner del Puntido 2023

Corner del Puntido is made within Viñedos de Páganos, the Rioja Alavesa estate of the Eguren family, one of the most influential names in the region. It comes from a single 3.5 hectare plot in a particular corner of the El Puntido vineyard, farmed organically. The wine is Tempranillo grown on poor calcareous clay soils at altitude, where stony ground and a wide diurnal range concentrate the fruit while holding the acidity that gives Rioja its length. The wine ages 16 months in barrel, where slow oxygen transfer through the oak settles the tannins and adds cedar, spice and a subtle smoky note that frame the dark fruit. The colour is a deep cherry red with purple edges. The nose layers dark plum and cherry over pepper, liquorice, tobacco and toasted oak. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm but ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted an hour ahead, with roast beef, grilled lamb or game.