Tunante de Azabache Rioja Tempranillo 2024 (Spain)

Description

“This is splendidly fruited and inviting on the nose with Black Doris plum, dark cherry, rich floral, and mixed spice aromas with a hint of vanilla. The palate displays succulent fruit intensity with a supple texture and finely pitched tannins, making it flavoursome and fabulously drinkable. At its best: now to 2029” Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

“Classic, fruity, varietal and enticing bouquet of fresh boysenberry and raspberry, layers of clay and quietly smoky wood tones. Classically firm and dry on the palate with red berry flavours on the palate. Tannins and acidity frame the fruits and mouthfeel well with a persistent and flavourful finish. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2029+” Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

This soft, seductive, fragrant wine has appealing aromas of dark fruit such as blackberry, plum and blackcurrant with hints of chocolate/cocoa. A lush, beguiling wine with plenty of flesh, soft supple tannins and nice balanced acidity to work well with or without food.

Tunante is a Spanish word that means a scoundrel or mischievous person but is often used affectionately for a naughty child ("¡Qué tunante!" or "You little scamp!") In this case for a modern, ripe, generous, unoaked red wine showing off the vibrant qualities of Rioja’s signature grape. Produced by Fincas de Azabache (Est. 1956) - Spain’s largest vineyard-owning cooperative (over 900 farmer-members and 3,000+ hectares) in the Rioja Orientale at the foot of the Sierra Yerga Mountains.

Made exclusively from mature, 30-year-old Tempranillo vines, grown at the heart of the driest sub region of Rioja where low rainfall, intense sunshine and a mix of pebble, clay and limestone soils produce deeply coloured, healthy grapes with naturally high ripeness and a generous 14% ABV. Grapes are night-harvested to preserve freshness, destemmed and gently fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to emphasise pure fruit expression. No oak is used – the wine is bottled young to retain its vibrant purple colour and juicy personality.   

Food Pairing: Versatile with a wide array of food from cured meats, grilled vegetables, seared tuna, pork and chicken.