Alegre Valgañón Tinto 2021

The 2021 Tinto, produced with 75% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% white grapes, is serious and austere, produced with grapes from cooler parts of Rioja to achieve freshness and aging potential without having to resource to very long aging in barrel (this was in barrels and foudres of different ages and sizes for some 16 months). It opened up with time in the glass to a medium to full-bodied palate with very fine tannins and a clean, long and tasty, almost salty finish. It's a wine that transcends its price. 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2023.

A floral garnacha full of red plums, strawberries and lots of minerals. Tense, fruity and reactive, with fine chalky tannins throughout. Around 75% tempranillo, 20% garnacha and the rest white. Drink now. - Zekun Shuai, Senior Editor.