V.L.A.V. Custero 2023

Wine description for V.L.A.V. Custero 2023 from Tentenublo

Colour & appearance

Luminous Crimson in the glass - the colour immediately reveals the youthfulness of this wine and its unfiltered, authentic character.

Nose

Fresh and inviting with Blackberry and dark cherry in the front row. What sets this cosechero apart from simple fruit bombs: Underneath the juicy fruit lies a earthy minerality, that brings depth and tension. Not a perfumed beauty, but an honest Rioja flavour.

Palate

This is where Garnacha shows its best side: round, juicy and with a fullness, that never becomes heavy. The acidity is gently integrated, the tannins Fine-grained and silky. It is remarkable how Roberto Olivan integrates the 15 per cent alcohol by volume - you only sense warmth and generosity, no sharpness. The wine flows effortlessly over the palate, yet remains precise and clearly contoured.

Departure

Medium length with persistent Fruit freshness and a touch of Seasoning. The wine leaves a clean, drinkable impression - exactly what a Cosechero should achieve.

Terroir & origin

From the Rioja Alavesa, the Basque part of Rioja, where the tradition of cosechero wines is still alive. These village wines represent a different, more popular side of the region - far removed from the pomp of barriques and critics' wines.

Grape variety & vinification

60% Garnacha, 20% Tempranillo plus seven other red and white varieties - a real field blend. Whole-cluster fermentation with foot tamping in an open vat, maturation in used wooden barrels and concrete tanks. This traditional method with rapports brings additional structure and flavour without dominating the fruit.

Food pairing suggestions

Perfect for Chorizo, Grilled peppers, Pintxos or a simple Pizza. Also to Pasta with tomato sauce or Grilled lamb chops a safe bet. An ideal terrace wine when served slightly chilled.

Special features

One of the most characterful Cosechero wines Rioja Alavesa - drinking pleasure with personality. A wine that proves that young and uncomplicated does not have to mean banal.