Wines Rioja Arizcuren - Monte Gatún - 2022

Arizcuren’s Cuvée Monte Gatún 2022 is an intriguing red from the heart of Spain’s most celebrated wine region, Rioja. This cuvée, bottled at 75cl, hails from a region with a rich tapestry of viticultural heritage and decades-old vines. While the precise blend of grapes in Monte Gatún is not specified, Rioja reds are commonly crafted from Tempranillo, often blended with varieties like Garnacha and Graciano, to produce wines that balance vibrant fruit with structure and elegance. The style here is likely to be fresh-fruited and youthful, with lively berry notes, subtle spice, and an underlying earthiness—a true reflection of modern Rioja winemaking that focuses on expressiveness and terroir.

La Rioja, nestled in northern Spain, benefits from a unique confluence of Atlantic, Mediterranean, and continental climates. The diverse soils—clay, limestone, and iron-rich alluvium—along with varying altitudes, impart complexity and nuance to the region’s wines. Rioja’s long tradition of meticulous viticulture and cellar ageing has earned it international acclaim, but boutique producers like Arizcuren celebrate single-vineyard expression and minimal intervention. 2022 was a vintage marked by warmth and good ripening, promising reds that are approachable in youth but also capable of short to mid-term cellaring.

Pair the Monte Gatún 2022 with classic northern Spanish dishes for a harmonious experience: slow-roasted lamb with rosemary, chorizo-spiked chickpea stew, or grilled vegetables drizzled in olive oil. The wine’s supple fruit and bright acidity will also complement firm cheeses such as Manchego or aged Mahón. If you desire a more international pairing, mushroom risotto or herby roast poultry would work beautifully, highlighting the wine’s freshness and verve.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Rioja red slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes will help open up its aromatics and soften any youthful tannins, revealing the wine’s full spectrum of fruit, spice, and earthy notes. This bottle offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the contemporary face of Rioja, marrying tradition and innovation in your glass.