Ontanon "Plinio el Viejo" Organic Rioja, La Rioja, Spain, 2021

Grape: 100% Tempranillo, sandy loam soil, organic, sustainable farming, oaked

Producer Tasting Note:

Ripe plum and dark cherry fruit, shavings of dark chocolate and a twist of spice with gentle tannins, meaning the focus is in the fruit and letting the Tempranillo shine. A full-flavoured modern style of Rioja.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Some herbal character, with aromas of wild red berries and sweet spices. Warm on the palate."  

86/100 points, Decanter World Wine Awards, January 2024

"Strawberries and berries follow through to a juicy, simple, medium-bodied palate with crisp fruit. Round tannins provide enough firmness. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap."

92/100 points, James Suckling, July 2024

Winemaking: The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from certified organic vineyards at altitudes of around 500m. Ontañón have 57ha of low-yielding organic vineyards and 300 barrels dedicated exclusively to organic wines. There is a long maceration of the grapes (over 20 days) - fermentation at controlled temperatures. "Plinio el Viejo" spends five months in American and French oak barrels (new and 1-2 year old barrels).

Estate: Bodegas Ontañón is a 5th generation family-owned and run winery in Rioja Baja (now Rioja Oriental). Here Raquel, Rubén and Maria Pérez Cuevas continue their father Gabriel's work to develop Bodegas Ontañón into one of the most highly-regarded wineries in Rioja. Ontañón has vast swathes of vineyard in this part of Rioja. Whilst wine production in the region is typically very dependent on contracts with grape growers, the Pérez Cuevas family has seen fit to invest heavily in the purchase of its own land and vines. Its 250ha is a testament to the importance it places on controlling grape quality. Many of their vineyards are actually planted at altitudes on a par with, or above, those in Rioja Alta and Alavesa. The hot and dry Mediterranean climate allows for consistent ripening of the grapes with little disease and this has enabled them to pursue organic production across 57 hectares of vines.

Food Match: Perfect with roast chicken and pork, or grilled salmon