Telmo Rodríguez, LZ, D.O. Rioja, red wine, 0.75l

Telmo Rodríquez is a Spanish winery founded in 1994. It has a worldwide reputation as a pioneer supporting Spanish winemaking, a travelling oenologist and a "driving wine-maker". He earned this reputation mainly because he travels to individual wine regions to make wines from a single harvest using only the original varieties of the given region. In addition, he pays special attention to restoring forgotten vineyards. The Telmo Rodríquez brand embodies an immense love for wine and fine winemaking craft.

The wine Telmo Rodríguez LZ is an approachable, terroir-expressive red wine from the Rioja Alavesa region, created as part of the Bodega Lanzaga project as a tribute to the traditional "corriente" wines of the early 20th century. This wine represents an authentic expression of place - vineyard, soil and climate come together here in a wine that is fresh, mineral and clean, without excessive display of wood or sweet tones. LZ is a wine that can appeal both to lovers of traditional Rioja and to those seeking an easy-drinking, terroir-driven red wine for everyday and festive occasions alike.

Grape variety: Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha. These three classic red varieties of Rioja complement each other harmoniously, creating a fruity, lightly spicy and well-structured profile, giving the wine elegance and freshness.

Vineyard: The grapes come from organically farmed vineyards around Lanciego de Álava - specifically from Campoluengo, Las Rozas, Castillejo, El Romeral, Agozaderas and El Plano. The vineyards lie at altitudes of 500–700 m above sea level, with a combination of sandy, clay and stony soils on a limestone base. Thanks to this combination and hand harvesting, the wine retains its typical minerality and fresh acidity, which give the wine energy and lightness.

Production and ageing: After careful hand harvesting, the grapes are fermented using native yeasts in small cement tanks, where spontaneous fermentation takes place. The wine then ages for 6–7 months without the use of wood, which preserves its clean fruity character, freshness and delicate texture. This approach allows the wine to be drinkable while still young, yet retain its terroir signature and structure.

Taste and aroma: LZ is characterised by a juicy profile of red fruit, especially cherries and raspberries, complemented by delicate spicy and herbal notes and mineral accents. It has a medium body, balanced acidity and delicate, silky tannins. Overall it comes across as harmonious, elegant and fresh, with a long and pleasant finish. It is a wine that drinks well on its own, yet also has the character and structure suited to gastronomy.

Food pairing: Recommended serving temperature is 16–18 °C. LZ pairs wonderfully with lighter and medium-bodied dishes, for example grilled or roasted meat, lamb, lighter game, and also dishes with delicate spicing. It goes well with tapas, braised vegetables or lightly spiced dishes and also with mature cheeses, where its fruitiness and mineral trace shine beautifully.

Alcohol content: 13.5%
Origin: Spain, D.O.Ca. Rioja