Aseginolaza & Leunda Kauten 2023

Aseginolaza & Leunda is the project of Jon and Pedro, two biologists working old Garnacha vines in D.O. Navarra. Their philosophy is straightforward: respect for the soil and the wider environment, manual work in the vineyard, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Navarra sits in the transition between Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, and the diurnal swing between warm days and cool nights lets old-vine Garnacha hold its acidity and fragrance while the fruit ripens. Older vines run deep roots and crop modestly, which concentrates flavour and gives the wine its lift. Kauten is made as the youngest and most modern expression in the range, with a short period in wood that softens tannin and lets oxygen round the texture without masking the grape. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose leads with red berries, cherry and a floral rose note, backed by earth and dried thyme. On the palate it is light to medium bodied, with fresh acidity, fine tannin and a savoury, peppery finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, a touch cool. It works well with roast chicken, grilled pork and mushroom dishes.