100% Tempranillo fruit bursting with character but not oak-aged. Just enjoy it. As Pedro (the producer) puts it; lively, refreshing, bold, and unabashed.

I was introduced to Pedro at Bodegas Martínez Alesanco by Miguel Merino’s son, also Miguel. Sadly, it was a visit cut short by time constraints otherwise we may well have long over-stayed our welcome. Sometimes you just know when things are right. Each wine tasted in their impressive new winery was really enjoyed and followed by another equally enjoyed. Each wine with a purpose, a point of difference and a story. The brand-new tasting room has panoramic views over the red soils of the Upper Najerilla towards the Sierra Cantabria which between them largely define the microclimate and wine styles. Maybe the highlight of that first tasting together was the revelation of Maturana Tinta, a re-discovered and re-planted Rioja grape variety.

VEGETABLE STEW. Vegetables are king of the Riojan garden. Sometimes vegetables are served on their own, cooked and dressed with olive oil, especially those in season, such as the vegetable medley with battered and fried artichokes. Other dishes, however, contain small pieces of chorizo or ham. But the best pairings are sometimes the simplest: cured Rioja chorizo sausage with a mild and appetizing aroma, or the very rich and succulent Camerano cheese, or pears in red wine.