Telmo Rodríguez, Las Beatas 2018, D.O. Rioja, red wine, 0.75l

Telmo Rodríquez is a Spanish winery founded in 1994. It has a worldwide reputation as a pioneer championing Spanish winemaking, a travelling oenologist and a "driving wine-maker". It earned this reputation mainly 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 Las Beatas 2018 is an exceptional red wine from a small 1.9 ha vineyard in the upper part of Rioja Alavesa (Labastida), where soils formed of continental conglomerates, sandstone and marl outcrops give the wine mineral depth and a precise terroir signature. This plot is divided into terraces planted with old and younger vines of eight to nine traditional varieties, the most prominent of which is Tempranillo together with other native grapes, giving the wine a complex and layered character. The Las Beatas project is considered a "grand cru" in Rioja and represents a long-standing effort to restore ancient vineyards on steep terraces, which are able to supply the soil with water steadily and transform this into depth and harmony in the wine.

Grape varieties: A traditional field blend consisting mainly of Tempranillo complemented by Graciano, Garnacha and white Garnacha, which together create a complex fruit-driven and textured wine profile, combining intensity with elegance.

Awards: The 2018 vintage received exceptional scores – 100 points from James Suckling and 99 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, confirming its high quality, complexity and potential for bottle ageing.

2018 production: The grapes were hand-picked late in the season, in mid-October, to achieve greater aromatics. Fermentation took place using native yeasts in open oak tanks of 3000 l, followed by ageing 14–16 months in large French oak foudres (1,200 l), which gives the wine deep structure and a gentle integration of wood without the dominance of a new-barrel character.

Aromatic profile and taste: It shows elegant and complex aromatics, combining notes of fresh flowers, spice, dark fruit and mineral elements, often with touches of herbs and delicate citrus acidity. On the palate the wine is medium to full bodied, with smooth and velvety tannins, lively acidity and a long, harmonious finish. It is approachable and rounded already now.

Food pairing: Telmo Rodríguez Las Beatas 2018 is a complex and elegant red wine, best suited to dishes that can support its finesse, depth and terroir character. It pairs beautifully with red meat, such as grilled beef, roast lamb or game, where it highlights the structure and spicy notes of the meat. It also works very well with stewed and slow-roasted dishes, such as beef ragù or roast veal, and with mature cheeses such as Manchego or Pradó Lambón, which harmonise with the wine's mineral and fruity component. Lightly spiced dishes with herbs, such as thyme, rosemary or black pepper, bring out the wine's layered flavour and long finish.
The recommended serving temperature is 16–18 °C, ideally after decanting, so the aroma and complex flavour can fully open up.

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