Bodegas Exopto Rioja La Mimbrera de Exopto 2021

La Mimbrera de Exopto is a limited-release field blend from the first plot of old bush vines Tom Puyaubert bought at Ábalos.

Puyaubert acquired this half-hectare in 2003, and although it lies only a kilometre from El Espinal it is a very different terroir with different varieties. Planted on a limestone hillside at El Hoyo, with views across to the Sierra de Cantabria and surrounded by the wild garrigue of the area, the vineyard is roughly 75% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% Viura. The Garnacha vines were planted well over a century ago; the Tempranillo and Viura are in the 70- to 80-year-old range. As a genuine field blend, everything is hand-harvested and co-fermented together with wild yeasts, white grapes included, then matured in a single used French oak barrel before finishing its ageing in a sandstone amphora. The limestone shows in the finish: long, penetrating and chalky, with focused blackberry fruit and a mouth-coating structure.

Approachable now but framed for long ageing; decant it if drinking young. Serve at 16-18°C with roast lamb, grilled beef or aged sheep's cheese.

*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.