Viuda Negra Arca de Asa 2023

Arca de Asa comes from Bodegas Javier San Pedro Ortega in Rioja Alavesa, made from Tempranillo grown on a single plot near Lanciego, by the banks of the Vinaspre stream. The clay-limestone soils here are central to the wine: clay holds water through Rioja's dry summers and lends body and depth, while the active limestone keeps acidity firm and the fruit fresh, a balance that defines classic Alavesa Tempranillo. The 2023 is farmed under respectful, sustainable agriculture. After fermentation the wine spends ten months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and adds vanilla and a fine spice without masking the fruit; the malolactic conversion that follows fermentation rounds the sharper malic acidity into a suppler, more savoury frame. The result is medium bodied and bright. The colour is deep cherry red, the nose leads with ripe cherry, plum and red berries lifted by vanilla, leather and tobacco, and the palate is firm but supple, finishing on earth and dried herbs. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted for half an hour. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged Manchego.