Telmo Rodríguez, El Velado, D.O. Rioja, red wine, 0.75l

Telmo Rodríquez is a Spanish winery founded in 1994. Around the world it has a reputation as a pioneer supporting Spanish winemaking, a travelling oenologist and a "driving wine-maker". It earned this reputation above all by travelling to individual regions to make wines from a single harvest using only the region's native varieties. It also devotes special care to restoring forgotten vineyards. The Telmo Rodríquez brand reflects an immense love of wine and fine winemaking craft.

Telmo Rodríguez El Velado is an exclusive red wine from the small, historic El Velado vineyard in the village of Lanciego, where a vineyard around 80 years old forms a striking terroir expression of this part of Rioja. This cuvée by Telmo Rodríguez represents an intimate and unique expression of place, one that captivated the winemakers right at the start of their project in Lanciego and which they now shape into a single wine of deep character.

Awards: 2017 vintage:
96 points - James Suckling
93 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2019 vintage:
98 points - James Suckling
95 points - Peñín Guide
94+ points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2022 vintage:
97 points - James Suckling

Grape variety: The wine is a cuvée predominantly of Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache) with the addition of other traditional local old varieties (including some white ones, e.g. Viura, Tempranillo Blanco), which together lend it complexity, depth and harmony.

Vineyard: The grapes come from the unique terraced El Velado vineyard, at an altitude of around 600 m above sea level, facing south and west, which promotes intense sunlight and ideal ripeness, and from low-yielding soils that help concentrate the wine's aromas and structure.

Production and ageing: After hand harvesting at optimal ripeness, the grapes are fermented using native (indigenous) yeasts in large open oak vats of over 3,000 l, after which ageing takes place over roughly 15 months in French oak barrels and foudre of various sizes, giving the wine depth, structure and elegant tannins.

Taste and aroma: On the palate it is juicy, fresh and compact, with intense aromas of red and black fruit complemented by delicate spicy and mineral notes. The wine has a medium body, balanced acidity and fine tannins, leading to a long and lingering finish.

Food pairing: Recommended serving temperature 14–16 °C. Pairs wonderfully with red meat, small game, stewed dishes or roast lamb, bringing out both the fruitiness and the structure of the wine.

Alcohol content: 14%
Origin: Spain, La Rioja, D.O.Ca. Rioja