SPEAR 2021

Description

Lanzaga 2021 is the most authentic and personal expression of Telmo Rodríguez in Rioja Alavesa — one of the most influential and innovative enologists in contemporary Spanish wine. Together with his partner Pablo Eguzkiza, he founded the Compañía de Vinos Telmo Rodríguez, a pioneering project that revives the historic philosophy of Rioja: producing village wines, a faithful reflection of a specific place and historic vineyards.

Lanzaga comes from the municipality of Lanciego (Lantziego), in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, from a careful selection of own vineyards under organic farming, spread across 15–20 hectares of traditional viticulture plots located at altitudes of 450 to 650 meters, on limestone soils. The vines, with average ages between 30 and over 80 years, are field-grown following the traditional system of the area. The 2021 vintage blend consists of Tempranillo (55%), Garnacha and Graciano from different plots in the municipality: the varietal blend has gained prominence with each harvest, bringing greater complexity and personality to the wine.

The harvest is entirely hand-picked into boxes, with bunches selected in the vineyard. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in open-top 3,000-liter concrete tanks, with a small proportion of whole bunches (5%). Aging takes place for 14 months between 1,500- to 2,500-liter oak fudres and 225-liter French oak barrels, allowing for an extremely elegant integration of oak without masking the fruit or terroir. Production is limited to 27,332 bottles.

The 2021 vintage was exceptional in Rioja Alavesa: harvest between October 6 and 8 with very healthy grapes. The wines display the harmony, balance, and freshness characteristic of the year, with elegant and velvety tannins. 95+ pts Robert Parker, 93 pts Peñín, 93 pts Tim Atkin.

Of cherry-red color with violet notes. On the nose, perfumed and clean: thyme, rosemary, black olive, blackberries, ripe plums and spices. On the palate, powerful yet elegant, with very fine and silky tannins, impressive concentration and a surprising freshness that lengthens the finish. A great blending result with perfectly integrated oak.

Serving temperature: 16–18°C. Ideal for red meats, big game, lamb, rice dishes with meat and aged cheeses.