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the drop
Lamb loves
Rioja Not sure what to pair with your lamb or mutton Easter feast?
EXPERT'S PICKS Andrew Hoyle, WSET Level 3
2. ONTAÑÓN ECOLÓGICO, 13.5%, £11.49 A full-flavoured, super ripe modern style of Rioja, Ontañón Ecológico reveals ripe plum and dark cherry fruit notes with a twist of spice and gentle tannins.
1. QUEIRÓN MI LUGAR VINO DE QUEL, 14.5% £26
The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from certified organic vineyards at altitudes of around 500m. They're macerated for 20 days, and fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures. The wine then spends five months in both American and French oak barrels.
This award-winning Rioja is made from a blend of 90 per cent Tempranillo and 10 per cent Garnacha. All the grapes are sourced from selected vineyard parcels in and around Quel, including El Poeta, La Bartola and Hoyo Judio.
ANDREW SAYS: ‘If your preference is for a little less oak and more fruit then look no further than this youngster from sunny Rioja Oriental.
The wine spends 18 months in new oak barrels, then six months in large French oak foudres. It has pronounced aromas of ripe black fruit and blueberries, backed by spice, mocha, fig and balsamic notes. The palate is generous with complex bramble and plum fruit characters, well-integrated oak and bright acidity. ANDREW SAYS: ‘This is the epitome of what Rioja has to offer. ‘Structured and complex but built for the modern consumer, it's bursting with ripe black fruits and a hint of cherry. There's full-bodied, well-integrated oak with perfectly balanced tannins. ‘A dangerously easy-drinking red that's worth its weight in gold.’
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‘Expect rich plum and cherry fruits, a hint of black pepper, the smoothest of tannins and a subtle toasty oak.’
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