Nestares Eguizabal, A Veredas Crianza, 6 Bottle Case, 75cl

This is a very classy, rich, classic Rioja indeed. Intense cherry red colour. Floral, balsamic nose. Dense structure but opens fluidly on to a palate brimming with ripe fruit and spice and those distinctively melting tannins.

Galilea in the Valle de Ocón, Rioja Baja, was historically very difficult to access and remained relatively isolated from the growing fame and reputation of other areas of the Rioja wine region. It is here that you’ll find Nestares Eguizábal, a family-owned winery headed by founder José María Nestares. The small organic vineyards were planted in 1983 on a plateau between Valle de Ocón and Valle de Jubera at 520-650 metres above sea level, and the winemaking is in the hands of two young oenologists, Alberto Pedrajo and Javier Achutegui. They strive to make distinctive, memorable Rioja wines that reflect their historic provenance and the family’s traditions.