Gatito Loco, Rioja Tinto, Spain

Who - Bodegas de Alto, Gatito Loco
Where - Rioja, Spain
What - Red Wine - Tempranillo, Garnacha
When - 2024
How  - Organic, unoaked, Vegan

That Rioja is one of the best known wine regions in the world is beyond doubt. That a lot of the wines labelled as such are, well, just a bit boring, a pastiche of what they can be is also true. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for something great, even at the more budget end of things. Gatito Loco is made with grapes sourced from organically farmed vineyards in Rioja Baja, ferments with just the naturally occurring yeasts that exist in the vineyards and winery, and doesn't get smothered in oak to mask the flavour of the fruit. Completely in contrast to what a lot of the big brands are doing, a little "loco" perhaps? Proofs in the drinking though... Perfect with pasta, grilled meat, a picnic (it's got a screw cap for easy access) or a night in front of Netflix.