Telmo Rodríguez, La Estrada, 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 La Estrada is a red wine from the small hillside vineyard La Estrada Alta, high above the village of Lanciego in the Rioja Alta region of Spain. This remarkable project by Telmo Rodríguez builds on the pure terroir expression of an old vineyard from the 1940s with predominantly limestone-clay soils, giving the wine depth, minerality and the typical elegance of classic Rioja. The grapes are grown traditionally, processed spontaneously using native yeasts, and the wine ages for 14–16 months in a combination of large foudre and barrique barrels, which give it structure and complexity.

Awards:
2017 vintage:
96 points - James Suckling
94 points - Robert Parker and Tim Atkin
2018 vintage:
96 points - Robert Parker and James Suckling
94 points - Tim Atkin and Falstaff - elegant fruitiness and structure
2019 vintage:
98 points - James Suckling
96 points - Robert Parker
95 points - Tim Atkin - one of the best-rated vintages with remarkable complexity
2020 vintage:
94 points - Robert Parker
96 points - James Suckling - a fresh, powerful and well-structured vintage

Grape variety: Predominantly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, which lends the wine delicate spicy and aromatic nuances while underlining its structural balance and length.

Vineyard: La Estrada Alta is a small, old vineyard facing north-east, at an altitude of around 610 m above sea level. The limestone-clay soil profile supports aromatic concentration and a firm mineral backbone in the wine. This specific terroir is reflected in the purity of expression and depth of structure of each vintage.

Production and ageing: After hand harvesting, the grapes are spontaneously fermented in open wooden vats with native yeasts and then age for around 14–16 months in a combination of large oak foudre and barrique barrels, giving the wine complexity, smoothness and well-integrated oak.

Taste and aroma:
La Estrada stands out for its concentrated fruit palette with aromas of ripe red and dark fruit such as cherries, plums and blackberries, complemented by delicate floral and herbal notes. In the background spicy nuances, fresh minerality and light touches of vanilla or chocolate appear. On the palate the wine is full and structured, with good acidity, firm yet velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish, where the fruity and spicy elements come together beautifully. Thanks to its depth and complexity, La Estrada is both a powerful and refined wine, one that reflects the terroir of the La Estrada Alta vineyard well.

Food pairing: The recommended serving temperature is 16–18 °C. La Estrada wines pair excellently with red meats, grilled lamb, roast beef, richer sauces and mature cheeses, which highlight its complexity and structure.

Alcohol content: approx. 14% (varies by vintage).
Origin: Spain, D.O. Rioja