San Julian Tinto 2020

Rioja Alavesa, Spain

Tempranillo (85%), Graciano (5%), Cabernet (5%), Viura (5%) · 2020 · 14% abv

A casual 96-point wine! It is detailed, floral and elegant, with a fresh palate, very fine tannins and graphite-y edge. It's perfumed yet serious, like having a Burgundian nose and a Bordelaise palate. This will cellar for a ridiculous amount of time but is equally enjoyable now for it's elegant power and uniqueness.

Production

Hand-selected bunches foot-trodden in open-top barrels. The wine spends two years in 225L new French oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation takes place naturally during the aging process. Minimal handling, gravity racking only.

Vinyard

From a 0.6 ha plot over a century old on steep limestone slopes. Yields are tiny; farming is biodynamic, horses used instead of tractors, ensuring the soils remain alive and balanced.

Pairing

Outstanding with ribeye or beef short ribs. Also works with venison stews where structure and perfume can shine.

Ecological Credentials

Organic, Certified Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian