6x Viña Ilusión Rioja D.O.C. 2017
95% Tempranillo 3% Grenache 2% Graciano • 13.5% • Organic • £13.83/bottle
A stunning unoaked organic Rioja from cult winemaker Martín Alonso.
A winemaker who has gained almost cult status in the last 20 years within sommelier circles, Martín Alonso is the notoriously stubborn winemaker who famously uses the Japanese teachings of Masanobu Fukuoka, the pioneer of “do-nothing” natural farming and the author of the “The One Straw Revolution”. They do not plough their 5 hectares of 20 year old vines, preferring to plant cover crops beneath the rows, and are certified organic, one of the only producers in Rioja to be certified.
The mountainous town of Calahorra is one of the highest at 700 metres above sea level and sits in the west, very near to such great vineyards as the famous Barón de Ley and the Marqués de Caceres.
Mainly black fruits, with subtle red fruits and floral aromas in the background. Refreshing, punchy with good acidity.
Perfect with light game and poultry, At Gauthier Soho we’re serving Viña Ilusion with the Roasted Guinea Fowl Fondant Potato, Kentish Carrot, Sautéed Peas Spring Greens, Guinea Fowl Jus.
"Notes of olives, leather and plenty of ripe black fruits. This is Rioja as it should be – and it's also certified organic!" – Dawn Davies, Master of wine
Don't just take our word for it, apart from on the Gauthier Soho wine list, Viña Ilusión is found on at top Soho tapas specialists Fernandez & Wells, and the acclaimed Covent Garden French restaurant Clos Maggiore.