Charitable Rioja at a very fair price

Winemakers are a charitable lot typically, but this project from Javier Murua (of Bodegas Muriel in Rioja) takes it to another level.

Quite simply, all proceeds – all of it, not just the profit – from the sale of this Rioja go to the Murua family’s Maga Foundation. The foundation then uses the money to invest in schools and facilities for developing countries – particularly Sierra Leone and Cambodia.

Apparently the sale of 6000 bottles gives enough money to fund a brand-new school.

Not just a noble cause, the wine is pretty handy too – framed by rich, coffeed oak, yet there’s quality fruit underneath, the very rich texture driven by coarse tannins. There’s a classic Crianza oaky charm to this and the alcohol and acidity are well contained, making for a satisfying red that has a real sense of agelessness to it.

It’s undoubtedly oak shaped and very young, but this is high quality and has a real good news story behind it.

Details: 14%, Cork, $35
Tasted: April 2015 (tasting)
Best drinking: 2017-2030
Score:17.8/20, 92/100

Would I buy it? Only if I could give it a long decant before drinking. Handy wine though.

Buy online: Fourth Wave Wine website (importers)