Bodega Lanzaga L Z (Rioja) 2024

Tasting Notes

Telmo Rodríguez left his family estate in Rioja in the early 1990s to make his name in the rest of Spain. When he returned to Rioja to start Bodega Lanzaga with his friend Pablo Eguzkia in 1998, he brought with him a broad experience of the outside world, not only in Spain but also in Burgundy, Bordeaux (where he studied) and the Rhône. This experience urged him to approach Rioja in a different way to that laid out by the Consejo Regulador, something which chimed with Telmo’s innately rebellious character. His knowledge of the history of Alavesa also informed his decision-making, for he knew that old vines had been planted on the hills surrounding the village of Lanziego for centuries. As their thinking crystallised, the concept of a Burgundian approach to Rioja became clear, something that makes this Bodega one of the most exciting in the region. LZ` is made with Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha grapes from several estate plots (Campoluengo, Las Rozas, Castillejo, El Romeral, Agozaderas and El Plano) around the Lanciego village, in the Rioja Alavesa area. Here, the organic certified bush vines grow at altitudes ranging from 450 to 650 meters above sea level on two main soil types. On the flat sandstone plateaus the vines grow on shallow, low fertility stony, calcareous and silty textured soils which inhibit vigour and concentrate the flavours, adding mineral notes. The soils on the gentle slopes are moderately deep, with less stone, a higher marl content and very fine texture which prologues the ripening and adds freshness to the finished wine. Medium purple in colour, this wine is made in a fresh, fruit-driven style. The lack of time in oak preserves the brightness of fruit, with ripe red cherry, redcurrant and plum and a juicy and fleshy palate nicely defined by well managed tannins. The wine has a medium body, balanced by well-integrated acidity and a fine mineral touch.