Bodegas Ondarre, Rioja, 'Primeur' 2022

The certified organic parcel within the estate vineyard is situated on Rioja Valley’s northern hills on south-facing slopes, which climb towards the Sierra. The small, old vineyard is planted across an uneven terrain due to several streams that run down the mountains that mark the northern border of Rioja. The soils are generally poor in nutrients and very shallow, just 30 to 35 centimetres in depth, which encourage the vines to send their roots deeper in search of nutrients and water. The soils vary from plot to plot, but there is a prevalence of clay based soils with high iron and chalk content. The clay content retains water, which nourishes the vines during the warm summers and the iron content is an essential nutrient for photosynthesis. The grapes come from low-yielding vines with careful selection of the grapes, allows for true expression of the climate and soil.

Each variety was fermented separately, with temperature controlled fermentation taking place with selected yeasts at 28 to 30°C. Maceration lasted for 16 to 18 days allowing the extraction of aromas, flavours colour and fine, silky tannins. The wine was racked into 225-litre American and French oak casks with two rackings where it rested for five months. Released early from the cellars to showcase the young, fruit-forward bouquet underpinned by mild oaky notes.