Aseginolaza & Leunda Birak 2024

Aseginolaza & Leunda Birak 2024 is a Navarra red built on Garnacha with Tempranillo, a nod to the grape that once filled the region's vineyards before falling out of favour. Garnacha thrives in Navarra's continental climate with its Mediterranean and Atlantic influences, ripening to bright red fruit while keeping the modest alcohol seen here at 12.5 per cent. The wine is raised entirely in stainless steel, with no oak, a choice that preserves primary fruit, freshness and the grape's natural perfume rather than overlaying spice or tannin from wood. The cool, inert vessel keeps the wine clean and lifted and lets the lighter, more transparent side of Garnacha show. It is light to medium bodied, fresh and juicy, with red berries, cherry and plum on the nose, a savoury edge of dried herbs and red currant, and a touch of pepper and earth. Tannins are soft and the acidity keeps it lively and easy to drink. Serve lightly cool at 14 to 15 degrees, which suits its fresh style, alongside roast chicken, pork or lighter dishes.