Nexus Rioja Tempranillo

Key Details of Nexus Rioja Tempranillo

• Grape Variety: 100% Tempranillo (single-varietal Tempranillo wine).

• Region: La Mata, Rioja Alta, Spain – a single vineyard in Rioja’s high-altitude subregion.

• Oak Aging: Aged 4 months in 100% new American oak barrels (Dec 2023 – Mar 2024).

• Bottling Date: Bottled in April 2024 to capture the wine’s freshness and character.

• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV (balanced strength for a Spanish red wine).

• Tasting Notes: Red fruits (cherry, berry) with hints of licorice; vanilla and caramel from oak.

• Mouthfeel: Smooth, velvety texture with a long, persistent finish.

• Food Pairings: Ideal with red meats, cured cheeses, roast lamb, or suckling pig.

• Serving Temperature: Serve at 12–15 °C for optimal flavor and aroma.

Tasting Notes of Nexus Rioja Tempranillo

Nexus Rioja Tempranillo delivers a captivating tasting experience that highlights the hallmark traits of a quality Rioja red wine. In the glass, it displays an intense garnet-red color with a subtle violet hue, showing off its youthful vitality. The aroma is rich with red fruit scents. Ripe cherry, plum, and wild berry notes abound, accompanied by delicate hints of licorice. This bouquet is typical of a fine Tempranillo wine. These fruity aromas are beautifully complemented by sweet touches of vanilla and caramel. Those flavors come from the new American oak barrels used for aging.

On the palate, this Spanish red wine is smooth and medium-bodied. Velvety tannins caress the tongue as flavors of juicy red berries burst forth. Spice and oak nuances (like vanilla and toffee) are present but well-integrated, adding complexity without overwhelming the fresh fruit character. Nexus Rioja Tempranillo has a long, silky finish. It leaves a lingering taste of red fruit and a touch of sweet spice on the palate. Its balanced acidity and refined tannins make each sip harmonious. This wine invites you back for another taste.

Vinification and Aging of Nexus Rioja Tempranillo

The winemaking process of Nexus Rioja Tempranillo combines modern techniques with respect for tradition. The grapes are sourced from La Mata vineyard in Rioja Alta. They were harvested in the first week of October at optimal ripeness. A careful hand harvest was completed in a single day to ensure grape quality. After picking, the fruit underwent a short cold maceration for about two days. This cold soak helped extract vibrant color and aromatics from the Tempranillo grapes before fermentation began.

Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures of about 26–28 °C for two weeks. This warm fermentation extracted deep color and flavor typical of a Rioja red wine while preserving aromatic intensity. Following primary fermentation, the young wine remained on the skins for an additional two days. This brief post-fermentation maceration added even more depth to the wine. It drew out smoother tannins and richer flavors in the finished Spanish red wine.

In December 2023, the new wine was transferred to 100% new American oak barrels to begin aging. Nexus Rioja Tempranillo matured in oak for four months (Dec ’23 through Mar ’24). New American oak barrels imparted lovely notes of vanilla and caramel to the wine. You might even detect a hint of toasted coconut from the oak influence. In March 2024, after the oak-aging period, the wine was gently clarified with natural, vegan-friendly fining agents. Fining with pea protein and bentonite ensured brilliant clarity and stability in the final wine. The wine was then bottled in April 2024. The result is a 13.5% ABV wine that balances youthful fruitiness with a touch of oaky sophistication. It bridges traditional and modern Rioja styles in one bottle.

Origin of Nexus Rioja Tempranillo – La Mata Vineyard, Rioja Alta

The origin of Nexus Rioja Tempranillo lies in the prestigious Rioja Alta subregion of northern Spain. This area is celebrated for producing some of the country’s finest red wines. The grapes for this wine come from the La Mata vineyard in Rioja Alta. This single vineyard sits in high-altitude terrain, which contributes to the wine’s character. Rioja Alta (meaning “Upper Rioja”) is known for its cooler climate and higher elevation. These conditions contribute to the elegance and complexity of its Tempranillo-based wines.

In this terroir, grapes ripen more slowly and develop balanced acidity. The result is a Spanish red wine that is flavorful yet fresh. By sourcing from one dedicated vineyard in Rioja Alta, the winemakers captured the unique character of that site. This combination of Rioja Alta terroir and pure Tempranillo grapes gives Nexus Rioja Tempranillo a distinctive identity. It stands out among other Rioja red wines.

Food Pairing and Serving Suggestions for Nexus Rioja Tempranillo

Nexus Rioja Tempranillo is a versatile food companion, pairing wonderfully with a range of hearty dishes. Its fruit-forward profile and oak-kissed depth make it an excellent wine to enjoy with savory foods. This Rioja red wine pairs beautifully with hearty meats and aged cheeses. For a classic pairing, serve this wine with roasted lamb or suckling pig. These traditional Spanish favorites match the wine’s robust flavors.

The juicy red fruit and spice notes of the Tempranillo wine complement the tender texture of roast lamb. They also enhance the crispy succulence of suckling pig. If you’re a cheese lover, try Nexus Rioja Tempranillo with an assortment of cured cheeses. For example, pair it with Manchego or an aged Cheddar. The vanilla and caramel hints in the wine accentuate the nutty, salty qualities of these cheeses. This Spanish red wine also pairs nicely with flavorful tapas, charcuterie boards, and hearty stews.

When it comes to serving, remember to pour Nexus Rioja Tempranillo at the proper temperature. Serve it around 12–15 °C (a cool room temperature) to allow its aromas and flavors to shine. At this temperature, the wine’s fruit notes are vivid and the oak nuances stay balanced. Consider decanting the wine for about 20–30 minutes before serving, especially if it’s a young vintage. This will let the wine breathe and open up. With the right food pairings and serving conditions, this Rioja red wine will deliver a satisfying dining experience.

Explore Related Spanish Red Wines

Nexus Rioja Tempranillo stands out as an exceptional Tempranillo wine. However, Garrafeira da Ilha also offers other Spanish red wines worth exploring. For another excellent Rioja red wine experience, consider Dinastia del Castillo La Rioja Red. It’s a youthful, vibrant Tempranillo wine that captures the spirited character of a joven Rioja.

Another recommendation is Antaño La Rioja Red, which offers a classic Spanish red wine profile at great value. This wine delivers smooth berry flavors and a touch of spice. It exemplifies the tradition of Rioja in an approachable style.

If you’d like to explore Tempranillo wines beyond the Rioja region, try Tempranillo Camelias. This affordable Spanish red wine from another region showcases cherry-red fruit notes and a soft finish. It offers a different take on the Tempranillo grape.

Even among these options, Nexus Rioja Tempranillo remains a top choice. It appeals to those seeking a blend of rich fruit flavors and oak complexity. It also embodies an authentic Rioja Alta character. Its modern yet classic profile makes it a must-try for any red wine enthusiast. This wine truly allows you to savor the best of Rioja in a single bottle.

Region: Rioja, Spain

Alcohol: 13.5%

Serve at: 16º-18ºC

Pairs with: Red and white meat

Format: 75cl

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