Cosecheros de Labastida Larrazuri Alberto Martínez 2020

Larrazuri is Alberto Martínez's wine within Cosecheros de Labastida, a group of five growers in Labastida, Rioja Alavesa, each bottling their own plots. His family secretly planted these vines during the post-war years, when new vineyards were banned, hiding them among rows of lentils and chickpeas. The blend draws on Garnacha, Tempranillo and Graciano with the white grapes Viura and Moscatel folded in. The wine is made by carbonic maceration, where whole bunches ferment intact in a carbon dioxide rich tank so fermentation starts inside each berry, a method that yields bright fruit, supple tannins and a lifted floral aroma. Labastida's calcareous clay soils and cool mountain nights underpin the freshness. The colour is a brilliant cherry red. The nose is fresh and floral, with raspberry, cherry and a violet note over black pepper and earth, and the palate is light, juicy and easy, with soft tannins and a clean finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 14 degrees with grilled pork, roast chicken or a plate of mushrooms.