Sierra de Toloño, Tempranillo, 2019

Sierra de Toloño, Tempranillo, 2019


Rioja Alavesa DOCa, Rioja, Spain

Sierra de Toloño is a small winery based out of the majestic Rioja region of Spain with vineyards in the village of Villabuena. Vines here are planted with far less density than traditional vineyards because of the soil condition which forces plants to compete for nutrients. The results are mesmerizing with many winemakers in this sub-region of Rioja garnering international accolades, including Sandra Bravo of Sierra de Toloño who received the honor of Young Winemaker of the Year from acclaimed wine critic Tim Atkin’s Rioja Classification in 2019.
Blueberry and dark cherry fruit are front and center, wafting out of the glass with their intensely fragrant aromas. There is a strong floral and spice component underpinning the beautiful fruit elements with a hint of pepper rounding out the just so slightly savoury profile of the wine. Fresh with savory tannins and big jolts of acidity running through the intricate and complex finish. A home run on all accounts.
Pair with a Sunday roast leg of lamb, roasted potatoes, dark green vegetables and a red wine sauce with demi-glace and pan drippings. Buen provecho!
Praise: “I'm more and more at ease with the fruit from Rivas de Tereso," says Sandra Bravo of this isolated, high-altitude area on the Sonsierra. It shows in the wines, too. Very lightly wooded, this is a fresh, tangy, peppery style with savory tannins, racy acidity and floral, rose petal top notes.” 93pts - Tim Atkin MW