Casa de Illana Expressions Tempranillo 2018 Ribera del Júcar, Spain 75cl

Casa de Illana is a family winery in the province of Cuenca, in the warm interior of central Spain. Its Expressions range is designed to show a single grape simply and clearly, letting the fruit speak without heavy winemaking getting in the way.

This bottling is pure Tempranillo, grown in Ribera del Júcar, a sun-warmed inland appellation named for the Júcar river that runs through it. The style is fresh and fruit-led, aimed at drinking young while the fruit is at its most vivid, so there is little or no obvious oak to get in the way.

The 2018 season across central Spain was cooler and wetter than the run of hot years before it, which helped preserve acidity and gave reds with welcome freshness alongside their ripe fruit.

In the glass it is bright and inviting, a medium ruby with a youthful edge. Soft red berries lead, cherry and raspberry, with a light dusting of spice and gentle, supple tannins. The appeal is in the easy, juicy fruit and the clean, unforced finish rather than in structure or power.

This is a straightforward, sociable red that suits everyday meals rather than special occasions. Serve it a touch cool, around sixteen degrees, with grilled meats, sausages, pizza, empanadas or a simple pasta. If you enjoy an unoaked, fruit-forward Spanish red, it makes a dependable weeknight choice, and an approachable way to get to know Tempranillo away from the more familiar Rioja style. Chill it lightly in summer and it doubles as an easy, all-purpose party red.