Product description
Sourced from old-vine Mazuelo planted in Rioja Alta, grown on limestone-rich soils at high altitude. Low yields and careful vineyard management ensure concentration, freshness and varietal purity. Fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel, then aged for one year in 500 L French oak barrels and concrete tanks for balance and finesse. Bright ruby in colour with lifted aromas of red cherry, cranberry and subtle spice. The palate is vibrant and fresh, showing juicy red fruits, fine tannins and a savoury edge, with well-judged oak adding polish and length.
Miguel Merino buys the grapes from this 1.2-hectare parcel of Mazuelo in Briones, but farms them as if they were his own. Savoury, bright, layered and wonderfully complex, this is engagingly scented and ethereal, somewhere between a top red Burgundy and a Ribeira Sacra in style, with graceful tannins, pomegranate and pink grapefruit flavours and a core of succulent sweetness.
- 98 pts Tim Atkin Rioja Special Report 2023
