McRobert & Canals La Nave Tinto 2023

Sometimes you want a Rioja that feels like pulling on a soft, worn-in sweater, not putting on a stiff suit. If this wine was a sweater, it would be that sweater. It’s a blend of Garnacha (50%), Tempranillo (40%), and a little Graciano from old, high plots across the region, and it’s fermented wild in concrete, then aged for a year in a mix of concrete and big barrels just to round the edges.

What you get is this lovely, bright thing that tastes like chilled red berries sprinkled with violets. Creamy, floral. Sandalwood and white musk notes makes it feel quietly special. Tannins as fine as an afterthought, and the acidity is so fresh.

It goes with mid-week night pasta, a plate of charcuterie.