Tom Puyaubert Vinas Antiguas 2019
About the wine
This luxurious Spanish red from century-old vineyards is Tom's big tribute to lush Graciano
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Tom Puyaubert is a champion of Rioja’s most overlooked and underappreciated grapes and none deserves his love more than Graciano - the star of his Vinas Antiguas.
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Graciano is a fantastic grape naturally packed full of complex flavours that lends itself perfectly to elegant oak-aged wines like this. But because it only fully ripens if you grow it in low yields, most winemakers avoid it in favour of more prolific fruit. Thankfully Tom is a super-passionate and patient winemaker who’s willing to commit the time and effort required for his grapes to reach their full potential.
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His Vinas Antiguas is packed full of all the dark fleshy black fruit flavours that Graciano is famous for, with lush blueberries and blackcurrants and a hint of spice. Almost like a Rhone Syrah. And by blending in some prime Tempranillo from his 100-year-old vines, then ageing this wine in French oak for 18 months, it’s all rounded out with a silky-smooth and classy finish. Mouthwatering.
Best before
Drink now but should peak in 2024
Serving advice
Serve at 16°C
Food match
Most grilled meats would be perfect but works particularly well with lamb or beef
Contains sulphites
Wine profile
Meet the winemaker - Tom Puyaubert
Despite calling it home for over 18 years, Tom is known as a foreigner in Rioja. He stands out even more by avoiding the traditional winemaking style of the area; championing instead varieties like Garnacha and Graciano.
It’s tough in Rioja at the moment. With most of the oldest (and best) vineyards belonging to the older generation whose families are now more interested in big city life. Tom says either big commercial wineries must take over or small, independent winemakers should step in and preserve the beauty and history of the land. Cue, Angel Funding!
Tom’s passion and enthusiasm for his region is infectious and he cannot wait for Angels' feedback. Hearing the opinions first hand from his ‘final judges’, as he calls them, is an opportunity he’s never had so form an orderly queue and give a big, Naked welcome to Tom.
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