Rioja Tunante Tempranillo Fincas de Azabache 2022
Country
Spain
Region
Rioja
Producer
Fincas de Azabache
Grape(s)
Tempranillo (100%)
Type
Red
Style
Robust
Oaked Style
Unoaked
Body Style
Full bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Not applicable
Alcohol Content
14%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
No
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
The region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Rioja is split by three major districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north, which are higher in altitude and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja). Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo are the main red grape varieties used however more international varieties can also be used. The traditional aging classification system gives Rioja wines their distinctive style through the influence of extended ageing in oak barrels.
Producer
Fincas de Azabache is a state of the art cooperative, founded in December 1956. The Bodegas now owns 2600 hectares of vineyards at the foot of Mount Yerga, which is at the heart of the driest sub region of Rioja; "Oriental", previously Rioja Baja. With limited risk of rot, this is an area conducive to the principles of organic viticulture, to which the Bodegas is firmly and successfully committed. The cooperative have recently invested heavily in a new winery, the fruits of which we are now seeing.
Tasting Notes
Fincas de Azabache have made a fresher style Rioja, made exclusively from 30 year old Tempranillo grapes, that is unoaked showing off the vibrant qualities of the grape. Introducing itself with powerful aromas of wild fruits such as blackberry, raspberry and blackcurrant. This plummy, soft seductive wine exhibits typical Tempranillo character of red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and plum with notes of liquorice. An intense and outstanding wine with good structure and balance of acidity and intensity, finishing with soft and round lingering notes of black fruit.
Food
Ideal by the glass or with cured meats, lamb, pork and cheeses.
Media
Drinks Business Rioja Masters December 2020 Silver Award. Awarded 89pts from James Suckling in 2023.
