Osoti Joven 2023

Vinedos Ruiz Jimenez the result of a dream come true when in 1998, Francisco Ruiz, decided to build his own winery to use the grapes he was growing, instead of selling them. All the vineyards are organically farmed in the small village of Aldeanueva de Ebro in Rioja. The idea was to offer the best quality, most terroir expressive wines that the land has to offer using only organic and sustainable parameters. This was quite a rare idea in Rioja back in 1998 but he knew that organic and biodynamic was the only way to give quality and terroir to the wines. Today they are the only organic and Demeter certified winery in Rioja. Winemaking Detail: Mechanically harvested at the end of August in small 2000kg containers so they can transport the grapes quicker, keeping the fruit extra fresh. Second harvest is done as soon as the first load is pressed, ensuring all grapes are picked during low temperatures. Whole bunches are gently pressed with a pneumatic press that crush towards the centre, ensuring no seeds are crushed. Fermented for 12 days under controlled temperatures in 10 litre stainless steel tanks, followed by 12 days further maceration.

Mechanically harvested at the end of August in small 2000kg containers so they can transport the grapes quicker, keeping the fruit extra fresh. Second harvest is done as soon as the first load is pressed, ensuring all grapes are picked during low temperatures. Whole bunches are gently pressed with a pneumatic press that crush towards the centre, ensuring no seeds are crushed. Fermented for 12 days under controlled temperatures in 10 litre stainless steel tanks, followed by 12 days further maceration.

Glossy dark red fruit on the nose; full of cranberry; blackcurrant and black cherry. The palate is soft and supple; with more sweet black cherry; damson and sloe berries. Vanilla and juicy forest fruits give way to more savoury notes of plum skin and leather. Soft and juicy finish; dry; fresh and rich. Youthful tannins and acidity.

Chorizo, Grilled Meats, Spicy Cod

Rioja is arguably the best known wine region the world, and especially in the UK where year on year we buy about a third of their total global export. The c.600 winery-strong region, set across the communities of La Rioja, Navarre, and the Basque province of Álava is the spiritual home of Tempranillo. At c.140km from the North coast it benefits from a real continental climate. Moderated by the Cantabiran mountains to the north the best sites, at 400-800m, are in the subregions of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Whites are made from Viura but these days Rioja is over 85% red. Oak aging (and choice of oak) plays a huge role, with wines made Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva all having their own distinctive styles and fans.