Bodega Lanzaga - "Las Beatas" Rioja 2020

Bodega Lanzaga is a project of Telmo Rodriguez (best known for his family's Rioja estate, Remelluri, which he brought to fame in the early 1990's) and his partner, Pablo Ejuzkiza. Known as Compania de Vinos, Telmo and Pablo's collaboration aims to identify and restore ancient, indigenous varieties in top vineyards in places like Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda, Cigales, Valdeorras, Cebreros, Alicante and Málaga. In 1999, they purchased a 17th century Bodega in Oullari, a small village south of Haro in Rioja, and set about trying to understand how Rioja was made before phylloxera, chemicals and machines. Lanzaga now consists of 19 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, and Telmo hopes to recreate the vineyards of 150 years ago, where as many as 50 varietals would be co-planted and made into a true field-blend.

Las Beatas is a spectacular 1.9 hectare property which Telmo and Pablo have invested tremendous time and energy: 15 years of renovative viticultural work took place before a single bottle was made. There are at least ten grape varieties grown on eight terraces, predominantly Tempranillo with 30% Garnacha, some Viura and traces of many other rare, perhaps unidentified cultivars, all planted on cold sandy soils. Las Beatas was made and aged in a single 1200 liter old French foudre. This is a refined, elegant and fluid wine with great complexity and nuance that will age beautifully.