# Soplar Tempranillo & Garnacha (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Moraza
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Garnacha
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, plum, herbaceous, cloves, smoke

## About this wine

Bodegas Moraza is a six-generation family estate situated in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Rioja Alta, Spain. In 2011, sixth-generation winemaker Janire Moraza converted all 18 hectares of estate vineyards to certified organic and biodynamic viticulture. Moraza stands apart from traditional Rioja producers by focusing on pure fruit expression, rejecting oak barrel aging and heavy extraction in favor of concrete vinification that captures the distinct limestone-rich terroir of the region.

## Interesting facts

- Soplar means 'to blow' in Spanish, referencing the fresh mountain winds sweeping through the high-altitude Rioja Alta vineyards.
- The estate avoids oak barrels entirely for this cuvée, fermenting and aging 100% in concrete tanks built in 1983.
- Crafted in a historic, light 'clairette' style that provides a vibrant, lower-alcohol alternative to traditional oaky Riojas.

## Food pairing

This fresh, low-tannin red with vibrant acidity matches exceptionally well with lighter meats, earthy mushroom dishes, and delicate tapas. Its bright red fruit core complements lean proteins and seared fish without requiring heavy sauces that could mask its delicate, mineral-driven structure.

## Wine making process

Sourced from high-altitude vineyard plots located between 450 and 650 meters above sea level on calcareous clay soils. Hand-harvested early in the season to retain high natural acidity and low potential alcohol. The grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. Winemaking uses a gentle extraction clairette technique with zero oak influence. The finished wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal added sulfites.