Telmo Rodriguez Corriente Rioja 2021 (Spain)

Description

Oak, Spice, Vanilla

Bodega Lanzaga's "Corriente" offers aromas of ripe berry fruit, spicy oak, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it is smooth and fragrant, with a well-balanced structure and fine-grained tannins. The wine displays vibrant flavors of red and black berries, complemented by hints of vanilla, tobacco, and a touch of minerality. 

Bodega Lanzaga is situated in the village of Lanciego within the Rioja Alavesa subzone. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 500-700 meters and are composed of clay/calcareous soils with outcroppings of sandstone and marl, typical of this region. This diverse terroir contributes to the complexity and depth of the wine.

The vineyards are organically farmed and consist of old bush vines primarily planted with Tempranillo, Graciano, and Garnacha. Telmo Rodríguez, the winemaker, also sources additional grapes from local farmers who adhere to traditional, principled farming practices. The focus is on low intervention to allow the natural expression of the vineyards.

"Corriente" is a blend dominated by Tempranillo with small percentages of Graciano and Garnacha, and occasionally a few white grapes. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks. The wine is then aged for about a year in a combination of concrete, large oak foudres, and smaller barrels. This method helps preserve the fresh fruit character while adding subtle complexity from the oak.

Food Pairing: It's a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of rich dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.