Rioja Alavesa DOCa, Rioja, Spain
Discover the wine Tim Atkin called the “Red Wine Discovery of the Year” in his Rioja 2020 Special Report.
This Garnacha comes from a vineyard planted in 1944 in the village of Rivas de Tereso with the vines sitting at 700 meters of elevation.
Sandra uses her winemaking experience from her time in Bordeaux, New Zealand, Tuscany and California to craft wines of exception and distinction. The results are precise, intensely pure and possessed of a vision to make delicate wines reflective of the true terroir potential.
Primary aromas of red berries and roses mix with tobacco, Mediterranean herbs and a hint of spice. Extremely fresh with perfect balance, this is the definition of precise winemaking. The Atlantic microclimate, altitude and limestone soil combined with the prodigious winemaking have formed a union of exciting flavours, delicate texture and breathtaking finish. This is what we call a showstopper!
Pair with complex dishes like Joe Beef’s Duck Steak au Poivre; fire-roasted pheasant with Saskatoon Berry sauce; or, Lièvre à la Royale with black truffles.
Pair with something more simple like poultry or pork, barbecue ribs or brisket, grilled salmon, or a nice hunk of aged Manchego and some marinated olives.
Praise
“ This is the second vintage of a wine that was the red discovery of the year in my 2020 report and it's even better than the first release, taking its place among the best Garnachas in Rioja. The vines are planted at 700 metres and have produced something with intensity, grace, purity and palate length. Truly the Pinot Noir of the south.” - 97pts - Tim Atkin MW