Bodegas Don Sancho de Londoño, 'Real de a 8 Tinto', 2024, Rioja (DOCa)

'One-Liner'
A bright, easy-going Rioja red with juicy berry fruit, gentle spice and a smooth, crowd-pleasing finish.

Tasting Note
Bright ruby in the glass. The nose leans towards ripe red berries with a little peppery spice and a faint mocha edge. On the palate it feels fresh and lively, with plenty of juicy fruit, soft tannins and enough lift to keep it really drinkable. Rounded, balanced and very easy to enjoy.

Country: Spain
Region: Rioja DOCa
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Bodegas Don Sancho de Londoño is a family project that began in 2004, built around the idea of making wines from its own vineyards across several Rioja villages. The estate farms around 40 hectares south of the River Ebro, at elevations of roughly 500 to 720 metres, where Atlantic and Mediterranean influences meet. For this wine, the Tempranillo sees a short cold soak before fermentation, then half the blend spends a brief period in older large French oak vats while the rest stays in stainless steel, which helps soften the wine without burying the fruit.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Spanish-style pork shoulder with smoked paprika, roast peppers and crispy potatoes

- Vegetarian: Roast aubergine, red pepper and tomato bake with thyme

- Vegan: Smoky lentil and roasted pepper stew with olive oil potatoes