Calo Rioja is a modern and expressive Tempranillo created by third generation winemaker Javier Murua. In keeping with the new wave of rejuvenating wines sweeping Rioja, Murua avoids the traditional long maturation in old oak to focus on fruit vibrancy and purity of clean varietal characters. The moniker Calo is evocative of the wandering caravan folk who lead the liberated lifestyle, free to indulge in their pursuit of epicurean delights and long, languid libations. A sublime match to tapas, oven hot bread and Iberian cheese.
Rioja Alavesa, in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains, is the finest sub-region of Rioja. A patchwork of small vineyards are planted to very poor, sandy soils on lower slopes. The very limited yields, along with cooler night temperatures, create wines with intensity matched by elegance and defined structures. Tempranillo is harvested off untrellised Gobelet bush vines. Bunches are totally de-stemmed before a long, cool maceration and fermentation with daily pump overs to achieve optimum colour and tannin extraction. Following completion of malolactic, batches are twice racked before being treated to a term of maturation.
Vivid red colour, violet highlights. Aromas of red fruit and dark cherries meld with liquorice and a touch of vanilla. The palate is rich and full bodied with classic blackcurrant fruit and cherry cola flavours balanced by earthy complexity and varietal dry, chalky tannins. Balanced and attractive with soft tannins, approachable in it's youth.
