Laventura Tempranillo

The Laventura Tempranillo is basically made from Rioja Alavesa Tempranillo grapes, to which is added a small amount of Garnacha from the other two Rioja sub-zones. The 40 year-old bush vines produce exceptional fruit which, after fermenting in open tanks, is aged in 500-litre barrels. In the glass, it gives off an intoxicating aroma, a mixture of smoke, strawberries and pepper. You can smell the earth and woods; it has a juicy palate and vibrant acidity. It continues developing in the glass (perhaps it might be a good idea to decant it) and, after some subtle bitter touches, hints of liquorice and blue flowers emerge. Enveloping, extremely pleasant, and different from the more normal Rioja style. You can drink it now, but it will carry on evolving in the bottle.