Burgo Viejo Rioja 2021

This Burgo Viejo breaks away from the producer's typical heavily oaked Tempranillo wines by showcasing Grenache and Graciano instead. These varietals create a more elegant, fruit-forward profile with raspberry and cherry pie notes, plus distinctive floral and graphite characteristics. The result is a fresher, more approachable style that highlights the natural beauty of these often-overlooked Rioja grapes.

Serve this medium-bodied Rioja at cellar temperature (around 16-18°C) to showcase its bright acidity and fancy fruit character. The wine's balanced tannin structure and vibrant profile make it perfect for food pairing rather than solo sipping. Consider decanting for 30 minutes if you want to soften the tannins slightly, though it's quite approachable straight from the bottle.

The wine's bright acidity and medium body make it exceptional with pork dishes, particularly when combined with fennel and apple - think pork tenderloin with fennel gratin or pork chops with apple stuffing. The raspberry and cherry notes also complement duck breast, lamb with herbs, or even hearty mushroom dishes. The graphite minerality adds complexity that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

This 2021 vintage is drinking beautifully now, with its fruit-forward character and integrated tannins making it immediately enjoyable. While Grenache-based wines can age gracefully for 5-8 years, this particular style emphasises freshness and vibrancy over long-term cellaring potential. The wine's approachable nature suggests it's designed for near-term consumption while the fruit remains bright and expressive.

Graphite in wine refers to a mineral, almost metallic quality that adds complexity and structure to the flavour profile. It's often described as pencil lead or wet stone, providing an earthy backbone that balances the wine's bright fruit character. In this Rioja, the graphite note likely comes from the vineyard's soil composition and adds sophistication to the raspberry and cherry flavours, creating a more complete and interesting tasting experience.