Predicador 2018 is a perfect example of balance between fruit and oak. The younger sibling of the legendary Contador shares its defining characteristic: a clear reflection of its surroundings and terroir. Bodega Contador crafted this magnificent red wine from Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes from vines between 20 and 35 years old, planted in a handful of plots scattered between San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Briones, in one of Rioja's finest areas. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. The result is a fresh, lingering Rioja, ideal for pairing with stews and legume dishes such as verdinas with oxtail or tripe with chickpeas. Founded in 1995 as a small garage winery, Bodega Contador is the personal project of Benjamín Romeo, a key figure in the Rioja wine scene in recent decades. The former winemaker at Artadi, who held the position until 1999, established his brand with a top-quality vineyard of old vines scattered across small plots on the slopes of the Sierra de Toloño mountains, near San Vicente de Sonsierra. The meticulous care he has taken with this heritage is the key to the success of his wines, widely acclaimed by both the public and critics. This is also the case with Predicador.