Ontañón Plinio El Viejo Vino Ecolológico Rioja (Spain)

This wine from Rioja's Bodegas Ontañón provides masses of bang for your buck. Bright cherry and raspberry aromas are balanced by sweet spice, while the palate is structured with complex, ripe red fruit, clove and black pepper characters. Poised and well-balanced with fresh acidity and a touch of mocha on the long finish, this is a flavourful and modern style of Rioja.

The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from certified organic vineyards at altitudes of around 500m. Ontañón have 57 hectares of low-yielding organic vineyards and 300 barrels dedicated to organic wines. There is a long maceration of the grapes (over 20 days) - fermentation at controlled temperatures. Ecológico spends five months in American and French oak barrels (new and 1-2 year old barrels), providing the wine's spicy characteristics

This wine, like its Roman namesake Pliny the Elder, (philosopher and naturalist) comes from a place of ecological consciousness. It's vegan and organic, representing the producers' commitment to organic practices, and their drive to increase sustainability throughout their substantial holdings in Rioja.

Pair with classic, hearty, homely dishes like ratatouille or lamb hotpot.