Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Labastida 2021

Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Labastida 2021 is made by Remelluri, the estate run by Telmo Rodríguez and his family, from selected vineyards around the village of Labastida in Rioja Alavesa. The blend is Tempranillo with Graciano and Garnacha, grown on the chalk and clay-limestone soils that rise toward the Sierra de Toloño. These high, cool sites with poor calcareous soils give slow ripening and firm natural acidity, which is why Alavesa reds keep their freshness and savoury edge. Graciano adds colour, acidity and a peppery, herbal lift, while Garnacha rounds the mid-palate. The wine ages for twelve months in French oak, which softens the tannin and adds gentle spice and a fine texture through measured oxygen exchange across the barrel. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows dark fruit of plum and blackberry, with spice, tobacco and roasted herbs. The palate is medium to full bodied, with firm but ripe tannin, fresh acidity and a long, earthy finish. Serve at 16 to 17C, with a short decant for a young bottle.