Izadi Selección 2020

Izadi Selección is a Rioja red built around old-vine Tempranillo, with Graciano, Garnacha, Maturana and Mazuelo filling out the blend. The estate sources from older plots, which by nature yield less as the vines age, concentrating flavour and giving the wine its depth. Rioja's continental climate, tempered by Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, suits Tempranillo well, while the area's clay and limestone soils hold water and lend structure. Graciano adds acidity and dark aromatics, the older varieties savoury complexity. The wine ages 16 months in oak, where slow oxidative maturation softens the tannins and layers in vanilla, sweet spice and a cedar frame. The colour is deep cherry red with brick edges. The nose shows ripe red fruit and plum over toasted nuts, spice and a clear note of undergrowth. The palate is medium to full bodied and structured, with fine, integrated tannins, a savoury core and a long finish marked by leather and tobacco. This is Rioja in the classic register. Serve at 17 degrees, decanting 30 minutes ahead, with roast lamb, grilled beef or mushroom dishes.