Aseginolaza & Leunda Cuvée Las Santas 2022

Cuvée Las Santas is the blended cuvée from Jon Aseginolaza and Pedro Leunda, biologists who farm rescued old vines across Navarra. Garnacha leads the blend, joined by Mazuelo for acidity and tannin and Tempranillo for structure, a combination that gives more grip and savoury depth than Garnacha alone. The old vines crop low and the cool northern climate holds freshness, while careful, reductive winemaking protects the bright fruit of the Garnacha against oxidation. Ten months in oak barrels rounds the texture and integrates the tannins of all three grapes through slow oxygen exchange, the wood adding spice rather than heavy vanilla. The wine is deep cherry-red. The nose shows red plum, raspberry and cherry with a peppery, dried-herb edge, while the palate is full bodied and warm, with ripe but firm tannins, fresh acidity and a savoury, liquorice-tinged finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees Celsius, decanted if young, alongside roast lamb, grilled beef or pork.