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.
Vineyard: sourced from the small, steep and historic Tabuérniga vineyard near the village of Labastida, where vines on narrow terraces at altitudes of 540–630 m above sea level deliver a sober, elegant and deep expression of Rioja terroir. This vineyard project, farmed organically and using traditional methods, was born from the restoration of old plots and is part of the prestigious Bodega Lanzaga range, which focuses on an authentic expression of the region's soil and climate, with an emphasis on balance, complexity and elegance.
Grape varieties: Tabuérniga is composed as a classic field blend, dominated by Tempranillo complemented by Graciano, Mazuelo (Cariñena), Garnacha, Garnacha Blanca and other local varieties, creating a rich and layered profile that at the same time respects the tradition and terroir of the vineyard.
Production and ageing: The grapes are hand-picked and vinified using native yeasts in open vats, after which the wine ages 14–16 months in large French oak foudres (approximately 1500 l), which gives the wine depth, texture and a gently integrated woody character without excessive oak dominance.
Taste and aroma: Tabuérniga shows in the glass an intense, complex aromatics of dark and red fruit, complemented by spicy, floral and mineral nuances. On the palate the wine is medium to full-bodied, with well-balanced acidity, fine yet firm tannins and a long, harmonious finish that combines juicy fruit with an elegant structure and depth.
Food pairing: The recommended serving temperature is 16–18 °C. Tabuérniga is a great partner for traditional roasted and grilled meats, lamb and game, but also for dishes with a stronger flavour, stews or more pronounced cheese boards, where its complexity and mineral backbone beautifully complement the intense flavour of the dishes.
Alcohol content: 14 %
Origin: Spain, D.O.Ca. Rioja
