Two Organic Wines

(2021) From grapes grown at 600-metres altitude, Ramón Bilbao says this new wine represents a conscious step towards increasing their organic output. A blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, it is dry, spicy and savoury, with a little tobacco, herbs and dark fruits. On the palate it is a farily light and brisk style of Rioja, a little vanilla, green olive and cedar filling out the finish, with gentle but firm tannins and acidity into an easy-drinking finish. Watch the video for more information.

(2021) Family-owned Yalumba are big on sustainability, and now have a small range of organically certified wines, including this Bordeaux blend. Very deep in colour, some mint and eucalypt, some of the Cabernet leafiness is there, but also a strawberry and plum softness of fruit from the Merlot. In the mouth it tastes relatively sweet, but there is depth of flavour, cassis and cream, and creaminess of texture too, the tannins very soft and the acidity quite cherry-like to give an easy-drinking picture. It's a bit of a barbecue banker this with it's attractive charm but a bit of intensity. Watch the video for more information.