A fresh, joyful take on Rioja that’s all about energy rather than oak. Mostly Tempranillo with a splash of Garnacha and Graciano, this wine is juicy and alive, with pomegranate and cherry upfront, followed by floral notes and a gentle savoury edge. Medium-bodied and softly textured, with a bright finish that’s extremely moreish.

Founded in 1992 by husband-and-wife team Martín Alonso Etayo and Gloria Plaza Medina, Viña Ilusión is a small, organically certified estate high in the mountains of Rioja Baja. Their vineyards are shared with fruit trees and wildlife, a far cry from the manicured rows typical of the region. Working with minimal intervention and deep respect for their land and local ecosystem, Martín and Gloria craft youthful, unoaked wines that prioritise balance and place.