Bodegas Exopto Rioja Bozeto de Exopto 2022

Bozeto is Tom Puyaubert's entry-level Rioja, and unusually for the category it is led by Garnacha rather than Tempranillo.

Bozeto means sketch or outline, which is how Puyaubert thinks of this pan-regional blend of Rioja's three principal red varieties. Most entry-level Rioja today leans on Tempranillo, an easier and more profitable grape to grow, but here Garnacha makes up 60% of the blend, drawn from El Agudo, a sixty-year-old plot on sandy, river-stone soils at Alfaro on Monte Yerga in Rioja Oriental. The Tempranillo comes from mature vines at Abalos in the high country of Rioja Alta, with some Abalos Graciano adding freshness and finesse. Fermentation takes place in a combination of concrete and steel tank, with a measure of semi-carbonic maceration in recent releases for extra buoyancy, and the wine is then aged for six months in concrete and 5,000-litre oak vats, so there is no new-oak signature at all.

Made for drinking young, over the next three years. Serve at 15-16°C, or lightly chilled, with charcuterie, grilled chicken or a tomato-braised dish.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.