Rioja Alavesa, 2023 - Bodegas Estraunza

More about this wine: Made from old Tempranillo vines from hillside vineyards near to Laguardia. The grapes are harvested manually to preserve fruit quality. Fermentation in stainless steel, at a low temperature, using selected yeasts, 20% carbonic maceration and 80% destemmed. 3 months in bottle refinement before release.

More about this vineyard: Set alongside the scenic banks of the Ebro River in the charming town of Lapuebla de Labarca, you’ll find Bodegas Estraunza. This family-led estate, established in 1990, craft wines that beautifully blend modernity and tradition in their state-of-the-art facilities. Bodegas Estraunza takes pride in cultivating exclusively local grape varieties. They harness the power of Tempranillo for their red wines and Viura for their whites. Tempranillo is their primary focus, and the heart of their production. Their hillside bush vines, situated near Laguardia, are over 45 years. Hand-harvested, to preserve fruit quality, the grapes are vinified in their controlled fermentation winemaking facility, which is equipped with 32 stainless steel tanks and an ageing cellar with 1,500 barrels. The next stage of maturation is within Lapuebla de Labarca’s interconnected wine cellars, which date back to the 17th century, and provide storage for most of the town. Bodegas Estraunza’s Rioja Alavesa offers amazing value for money. This wine exudes youthful exuberance, presenting vibrant red fruit, delicate floral nuances, and a subtle hint of liquorice. The palate is refined and generous with a luxuriously silky mouthfeel and great length.