Smooth Rioja Red

The 2023 Barrio Pastores was made by Carlos Mazo and Isabel Ruiz in the Rioja village of Aldeanueva de Ebro. The wine was made from old-vine Garnacha grapes, whole-cluster, foot trodden, and aged eleven months in 3,000-liter oaken vats. Fermentation starts spontaneously, with indigenous yeasts. Alcohol hits 13.5% abv and the wine sells for about $29. 

This wine has a medium-dark ruby color. It showed a bit of brown on the pour, but only a hint around the rim in the glass. The nose is laden with black fruit and cassis. A note of spice also comes forth. The palate is quite gentle, with fine tannins and that boatload of dark fruit. It's the smoothest Rioja I've ever had. Pair it with pork. 

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