Bodega Contador 'Predicador' Tinto 2020 is a bold and expressive Rioja red from Bodega Contador, the acclaimed winery founded by Benjamin Romeo, one of Spain’s most visionary winemakers. Known for producing some of the most sought-after wines in Rioja, Bodega Contador crafts Predicador as an accessible yet refined expression of the estate’s style. This wine is primarily Tempranillo, with small amounts of Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo, reflecting Rioja’s traditional blending approach while showcasing modern elegance.

The 2020 vintage saw a balanced growing season, with moderate temperatures allowing for slow ripening and excellent fruit concentration. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, adding depth and complexity while preserving freshness.

Appearance: Deep ruby with a youthful purple hue at the rim, indicating its vibrancy and ageing potential. The wine displays excellent clarity and a medium-plus viscosity, forming slow, well-defined legs in the glass. Light glides across its surface, enhancing its richness and intensity.

Aroma: The nose is intense and layered, offering ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, intertwined with floral notes of violets and hints of liquorice, cedar, and baking spice.

Taste: Full-bodied and structured, the palate reveals rich dark fruit flavours, complemented by savoury notes of leather, tobacco, and crushed herbs. Silky tannins provide balance and depth, while bright acidity ensures freshness and elegance. Well-integrated oak adds subtle hints of vanilla and dark chocolate.

Finish: Long and polished, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of minerality, leaving a refined and harmonious impression.

Food Pairing: Bodega Contador 'Predicador' Tinto 2020 pairs beautifully with grilled Iberian pork, where its tannins and fruitiness enhance the dish’s succulence. It also complements roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, as the wine’s spice and structure balance the richness of the meat. Decanting for one hour is recommended to fully express its complexity.