Jose Gil Viñedos en Labastida 2024

Jose Gil is part of a new generation of Rioja growers who have stayed in their village to bottle the wines of their own land. This wine comes from vineyards around Labastida in Rioja Alavesa, farmed organically. It is a field blend led by Tempranillo with Garnacha Tinta and a small proportion of white grapes, picked and fermented together in the traditional manner. The Labastida vineyards sit on poor calcareous clay soils at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, which shelters them from the worst of the weather and lends a cool Atlantic influence. The limestone-rich soils hold water through dry summers and give the wine its freshness and fine structure. The inclusion of white grapes in the blend lifts the aromatics and adds a lighter touch on the palate. The wine is aged for ten months in barrel and concrete, where the neutral concrete preserves fruit and freshness while the barrel rounds the tannins without dominating. It shows a bright ruby colour, with a nose of red berries, cherry, dried herbs and a stony, earthy note. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with fresh acidity and supple tannins. Serve lightly cool at 15 to 16 degrees. It suits roast chicken, grilled pork and mushroom dishes.