Benjamin Romeo / Bodega Contador, Rioja (Spain) 2022

 Predicador, or “Preacher,” named after Clint Eastwood’s everyman character in the 1985 film Pale Rider, is a wine composed of 49 percent Viura, 40 percent Garnacha Blanca and 11 percent Malvasia.  There is lots of texture and depth here, but also the all-important freshness and bright acidity.  On the palate, delicate flavors of pear and melon are rounded out by a bit of green apple tang. Round and luscious, this wine has a succulent and long finish.  Given its Spanish origins, paella or other dishes incorporating fresh shellfish would be great choices.