Bodegas Exopto Rioja Bozeto de Exopto 2022 1.5L (6 Bottles) Rioja, Spain

Bottle size is 1500ml.

Bozeto means ‘sketch’ or ‘outline’, and as the name implies, this is Tom Puyaubert’s entry-level wine. This pan-regional expression of Rioja’s three principal grape varieties is conceived as a lively, easy-drinking introduction to the range. While most entry-level wines from this region today are based on Tempranillo (a variety both easier and more profitable to grow), Garnacha represents 60% of the blend.

This Garnacha hails from the sandy, river-stone terroir of El Agudo—a 60-year-old plot at Alfaro on Monte Yerga (in Rioja Oriental). The Tempranillo is drawn from a selection of mature vines in Ábalos (high-county Rioja Alta), and there is also some Ábalos Graciano, adding freshness and finesse.

Puyaubert ferments this wine in a combination of concrete and steel tank, then ages it for six months in concrete and 5,000-litre oak vats. These days, Tom includes a measure of semi-carbonic maceration for extra buoyancy. This is another smashing release for this wine.

Delivering plenty of perfume, it’s a tangy, crunchy-fresh Rioja that marries vibrant summer berry fruit with a dusting of cocoa powder, supple structure and length of flavour. Juicy, aromatic, wonderfully drinkable—and incredible value to boot!