The wines of Rioja in northeast Spain share a history which dates back to the Phoenicians. Tempranillo is a native of Rioja and the major red varietal of the region. An early ripening grape, it traditionally makes full bodied, food friendly wines with firm structure. Following harvest, parcels are completely destemmed before a cool maceration followed by a controlled fermentation. Processed to a vino joven or young wine styling, the majority of parts are matured whilst still on gross lees solids to retain vibrancy. A minor component is treated to carbonic maceration which achieves a spritely texture and revives the fruit. A smaller parcel is transferred to a selection of well seasoned oak barrels for a term of age.