Pagos de Tahola Crianza 2015

This is a truly charming Rioja with all the delightful berry fruit and toasty oak you could hope for. It’s from the Chavarri family, whose cellar has been up and running since 1882. Ruth Chavarri Muro is today in charge, the fifth generation of her family to take the helm, with winemaker Miguel Lopez Nunez head of the cellar. They can boast some of the highest vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, at 400 to 600 metres, all on excellent, limestone rich soils. What’s more, most are at least 60 years old, and so produce small amounts of really concentrated fruit – all meticulously hand picked for this wine. Aged in a mix of French and US oak, the wine combines bright red berry with sweet spice. A classic Crianza to enjoy solo or with a variety of tapas.