Sierra de Tolono Rioja Tinto 2023

The eponymous red 2023 Sierra de Toloño wants to reflect the power and freshness of the Sierra Cantabria. It's the entry-level red, produced in a simple way and with a straightforward profile and style but serious and with a chalky texture and a dry finish. In 2023, she had to pick early because of the very warm temperatures in August, but through viticulture and soil management, she achieved a wine with freshness and contained ripeness, aided by some rain in September. It's from vineyards in Ribas de Tereso, fermented in stainless steel at low temperature with indigenous yeasts and matured in neutral 225-liter barrels and amphorae for eight months. It has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.67 and 5.2 grams of acidity, which are pretty "normal" parameters for a fresh, Atlantic red. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2024. LUIS GUTIERREZ, The Wine Advocate

The 2023 Tempranillo from Ribas de Tereso opens with delicate herbs—thyme and rosemary—that add a balsamic lift over black fruit and a hint of pink grapefruit, enlivening the nose. On the palate, it is supple yet structured, with light chalk and gentle grip delivering juicy tension and definition. Slightly compact in feel, as befits Sonsierra reds, it remains focused and well shaped. JOAQUIN HIDALGOI, Vinous