La Bandida Valenciana Rich Red blend 2024

$22.00

La Bandida Valenciana is a cheeky label from Anecoop Bodegas in Valencia, a brand built around wines with a rebellious streak. Rich Red is Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, and here is the twist: part of the blend ages in whisky barrels. The whisky wood adds smoke, vanilla and depth without turning the wine into a stunt. Full-bodied but soft, fruity and spicy in equal measure. Made for people who find safe wines a little boring.

Sweet, ripe red berry fruit, strawberry and plum, with blackcurrant and spice from the Cabernet. Vanilla and a subtle smoky, wild streak from the whisky wood. Full-bodied, soft, lingering spiced finish.

Backyard barbecue, pepperoni pizza, burgers with smoky bacon, impromptu dinners with friends.

The brand belongs to Anecoop Bodegas, the winemaking arm of Valencia's Anecoop cooperative. Tempranillo brings softness and ripe red fruit with vanilla from oak; Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, blackcurrant and smoky undertones; partial whisky-barrel aging supplies the signature.