Aseginolaza & Leunda Cuvée 2022

Aseginolaza & Leunda was set up in D.O. Navarra by two biologist friends from the Basque Country, Jon and Pedro, with the stated aim of recovering and conserving old Garnacha vines. This Cuvee blends Garnacha and Tempranillo from vineyards in the municipalities of Dicastillo and Allo, where the older vines yield small quantities of concentrated fruit. The wine ferments spontaneously on native yeasts present in the vineyard and cellar, an approach that builds texture and a sense of place rather than a single house character. Navarra sits where Atlantic and Mediterranean influences meet, and the cooler nights preserve acidity and aromatic detail in the fruit. Ageing runs to eight months in used French oak barrels, chosen so the wood adds gentle oxygen and integration without fresh oak flavour dominating the Garnacha's bright red fruit. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose offers raspberry and red cherry, dried herbs and a peppery, earthy lift, with Tempranillo adding firmness underneath. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and savoury, with fine tannins and a clean finish. Serve at 16 degrees, with grilled lamb, roast meats or cured Spanish charcuterie.