Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Ábalos 2021

Remelluri makes Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Ábalos from old vineyards around the village of Ábalos in Rioja Alavesa, the cooler, higher western corner of D.O.Ca. Rioja. The blend is led by Tempranillo with Graciano and Garnacha. Telmo Rodríguez returned to the family estate to revive these forgotten plots, which sit on limestone-clay soils at altitude beneath the Sierra de Cantabria. That elevation and the wide swing between warm days and cold nights keep the fruit fresh, holding alcohol to 14%, while the limestone lends structure and length. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically, and the wine spends twelve months in oak, where measured oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds savoury spice, leather and a touch of vanilla in the classic Rioja manner. The wine is medium ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows red cherry, plum and dried herbs with leather, tobacco and gentle oak spice. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant, with fresh acidity, fine tannins and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, beef and mushrooms.