Des Alto Amo El Primero Rioja 2020

This attractive Rioja, different from those tired, old-fashioned oak-sodden monsters, is very much reliant on its fruit – one parcel of Garnacha (75% of the wine) and one of old bush vine Tempranillo (the remaining 25%). Around 30% whole bunches are used in the fermentation, after which there is a short maceration on skins before the wine is pressed to older French oak barriques. The nose exhibits notes of roast meats, a hint of vanilla, dark berries, some earth, chocolate, soy, miso and beef stock. A savoury style, most appealing and definitely worth checking out, with an underlying flick of acidity, soft yet sleek tannins and medium length. Enjoy any time from now for the next half dozen years. Give it a crack with roast lamb.