Grandes Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Ábalos 2020

Lindes de Remelluri is Telmo Rodriguez's project to revive the small vineyards of Rioja, and this bottling comes from the plots of Abalos, a village in Rioja Alta below the Sierra de Cantabria. The soils here are a mix of marl, clay and limestone, which together give the Garnacha and Tempranillo freshness, structure and a mineral edge. The altitude and the cool continental climate widen the diurnal range, slowing ripening and holding acidity so the wine stays balanced at 14 percent. Ageing for 13 months in barrel softens the tannins and adds gentle spice while keeping the fruit and terroir to the fore. Tempranillo brings structure and dark fruit, Garnacha adds warmth and red berry lift. The wine is deep cherry red, the nose offering fresh red cherry and berries with earth, pepper and a herbal, mineral edge. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and balanced, the tannins fine, the finish savoury and long. Serve at 16 degrees. It suits lamb, grilled beef and mushroom dishes.