Bodega Lanzaga LZ 2024

LZ is the youthful Rioja from Telmo Rodríguez, one of Spain's most influential winemakers, whose project has long been about reviving forgotten old vineyards. It blends Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano from head-pruned bush vines on the slopes by the village of Lanciego in Rioja Alavesa, where the soils are calcareous clay. That limestone-rich subsoil holds water through the dry summer and lends freshness and a chalky savoury edge to the fruit. The bunches are picked and sorted by hand, and the must ferments with the vineyard's own indigenous yeasts, which gives a more individual, site-driven character than cultured strains. This is made as a fresh, early-drinking style, so oak is kept restrained to let the bright fruit lead. The result is a vivid ruby red. The nose offers ripe red cherry, redcurrant and raspberry, with black pepper, dried herbs and an earthy, mineral undertone. The palate is medium bodied, juicy and fresh, with fine ripe tannins and a savoury, lifted finish at a moderate thirteen and a half per cent. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, and a light chill suits warm weather. It is an easy all-rounder at the table.