El Velado 2020

Bodega Lanzaga is Telmo Rodríguez's most personal Rioja project, based in Lanciego in Rioja Alavesa under the influence of the Sierra de Cantabria. El Velado comes from the estate's highest vineyard, a plot of less than one hectare planted as a traditional field blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and old white varieties, all picked and fermented together. The altitude and limestone-clay soils give cool nights and a long growing season, holding acidity and freshness at 14 percent, while the co-fermented white grapes lift the aromatics and refine the texture. The wine is farmed organically and ages fifteen months in 500-litre French oak, a large format that allows slow, gentle oxygen exchange and a light oak imprint. The colour is medium ruby. The nose is fresh and savoury, with red berry and plum over dried herbs, a stony minerality and black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant, with bright acidity, fine tannin and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb and traditional Riojan cooking.