Aseginolaza & Leunda Camino de Santa Zita 2023

Aseginolaza & Leunda is the project of Jon Aseginolaza and Pedro Leunda, two biologists who rescue old Garnacha vineyards across northern Navarra. Camino de Santa Zita comes from old vines that crop very low, concentrating the fruit, and the cooler northern climate keeps the wine fresher than warm-site Garnacha tends to be. Garnacha is prone to oxidation and high alcohol, so careful, reductive handling in the cellar preserves the bright fruit, while eight months in oak barrels softens the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange without masking the variety. The wine reaches 14.5 percent but carries it with freshness. It is bright cherry-red. The nose is generous, with raspberry, red plum and a peppery, herbal lift over a faintly earthy base, while the palate is medium to full bodied, ripe and rounded, with soft tannins, a savoury liquorice edge and a warm but balanced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees Celsius. It is built for opening and finishing over food, and suits roast lamb, grilled meats and mushroom dishes.