Viña Amate Tempranillo Rioja DOCa

Key characteristics:

Viña Amate Tempranillo Rioja DOCa is a captivating Spanish red wine crafted by the Aldeanueva Cooperative, a collective of over 900 dedicated farmers. Sourced from venerable vines, some between 50 and 100 years old, grown across diverse plots and altitudes, this wine achieves remarkable complexity and character. As a Qualified Designation of Origin (DOCa), Rioja represents the pinnacle of Spanish wine quality and authenticity. This expression delivers an appealing, fruit-forward style, showcasing the region’s renowned winemaking prowess.

Tasting Notes:

• Variety: Tempranillo and Garnacha
• Appearance: Dark cherry in colour.
• Aroma: Aromas of warm summer berry pudding, strawberries, blackberries and stewed plum with wafts of vanilla cream, toasted brioche and wild herbs.
• Taste: The palate is rich and soft, layers of dark fruit with melt-in-the-mouth tannins, with hints of coffee, hazelnut, chocolate and vanilla and on a long, smooth finish.
• Region: Hailing from Rioja, Spain, this wine benefits from the region’s unique terroir in the upper Ebro Valley, characterized by varied soils including clay-limestone, ferrous-clay, and alluvial types, protected by surrounding mountain ranges. The winery is specifically situated in the Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) sub-region.
• Pairing: Serve this soft, rich and silky smooth wine with slow-roasted pork shoulder in smokey barbecue sauce.

Overall impression:

This is a delicious, soft, and characterful wine, embodying the essence of Rioja with its luxurious layers of dark fruit, integrated complexity, and wonderfully smooth finish. It’s a truly engaging and memorable experience for any red wine enthusiast.

Extra notes:

• This wine has received critical acclaim, including 93 points from Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, and a 93-point score from the Decanter World Wine Awards.
• Viña Amate is produced by Viñedos de Aldeanueva, a cooperative that leverages grapes from old vines (50 to 100 years old) grown at different altitudes and on various soil types to achieve wines of exceptional complexity.