2021 Olivier Rivière "Rayos UVA", Rioja, SpainABOUT THIS WINE Rayos Uva is Oliviers version of a Bourgogne Rouge sourced from fruit grown in the sandy, gravelly and alluvial soils of Rioja Baja. The blend is dependent on the vintage but usually includes Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano percentages change each year to create a brightly fruity version of Rioja unmarked by oak. The breakdown of this particular vineyard is 50% Graciano, 30% Garnacha, and 20% Tempranillo. Grapes are hand harvested,

fertilizer

reveals a heritage dating back to the Middle Ages when the Canons of Saint Martin of Tours were making wine

a Spanish word for crab

with an electricity and verve that is so sought yet so rarely found

Semillon and Viognier

The resulting wine is plush yet primal

his grandchildren

Dolcetto does have a serious side that when shown in balance highlights the grape's ability to be compelling

the Bussia of Monforte

his first action was to convert everything to organic farming

which is only allowed for rosé

grapes are picked in the small hours arriving to the winery with the remaining hint of that distinctive Patagonian morning cold