Gabaxo 2023

Gabaxo is a Rioja red from Olivier Rivière, a French winemaker who came to Logroño to work with Telmo Rodríguez after training in Bordeaux and a spell at Domaine Leroy, the biodynamic estate in Burgundy. Those roots show in a fresher, more savoury take on Rioja. The wine blends organically farmed Garnacha with a portion of Graciano, the Garnacha rented from two ecologically cultivated areas including Aldeanueva del Ebro in the warmer Rioja Oriental. Garnacha brings juicy red fruit and a perfumed lift, while Graciano adds acidity, colour and a peppery, herbal backbone that keeps the wine structured. The fruit is fermented and then aged nine months in large 500-litre French oak barrels. The larger format gives a gentler oak influence than a standard barrel, letting air round the tannins without stamping the wine with wood, so the fruit and terroir lead. Expect a bright, medium-bodied red with crunchy red berries, cherry and red currant, lifted by black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy edge. The palate is fresh and savoury with fine tannins and lively acidity into a clean finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly cool. A food-friendly red for lighter meats. Sustainably farmed.