Izadi Larrosa Negra 2022

Izadi belongs to the Artevino group and sits at the meeting point of three Rioja Alavesa villages, Villabuena, Lapuebla and Samaniego, in a triangle of land fed by the Ebro and sheltered by the Sierra de Cantabria. Larrosa Negra is its Garnacha, a grape that gives a lighter, more perfumed style here than in warmer zones. The Sierra de Cantabria shields the vineyards from the cold north, while the river moderates the climate, and the calcareous clay soils and cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic freshness in the fruit. The wine spends six months in French and American oak barrels, a short ageing chosen to round the texture and add a light frame of spice while keeping the bright, primary fruit intact. The colour is bright, light cherry red. The nose is fresh and perfumed, with ripe strawberry and red berries, a floral lift of rose and white flowers and a peppery, earthy edge. The palate is light to medium bodied, fruity and lively, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, gently spiced finish. Serve at 15 degrees, lightly chilled if you like. It suits roast poultry, pork and charcuterie.