Carlos Sánchez Bienlarmè Lágrimas Bellas 2022

Lágrimas Bellas comes from Carlos Sánchez, one of a generation of Rioja growers working small, individual plots for their own terroir rather than blending them away. The wine pairs Tempranillo with Garnacha, farmed biodynamically and organically. Tempranillo brings structure and a firm backbone, Garnacha adds red fruit and roundness, and the two grow across the varied soils of the region, from limestone-clay to poorer, stonier ground that keeps yields low and flavours concentrated. It was aged for thirteen months in French oak and kept on its fine lees. Lees contact feeds the wine slowly with mannoproteins as the spent yeast cells break down, which softens the tannins and adds a subtle savoury depth and a rounder texture, while the French oak lends spice and a light toast rather than heavy vanilla. The wine has character and restraint. The nose shows ripe fruit, plum and dark berries, cherry, a note of liquorice and a herbal, earthy undertone; the palate is medium bodied and elegant, the tannins fine, the finish long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, beef and game.