Bodegas Juan Carlos Sancha - "Ad Libitum" Rioja Cosecha 2023

Juan Carlos Sancha founded his eponymous estate in 1997 in Baños de Río Tobía, in the Alto Najerilla, one of the coolest and most distinctive corners of Rioja. A winemaker, viticulturist and professor of viticulture, Sancha has devoted his career to preserving the region’s viticultural heritage, particularly its old Garnacha vineyards and a collection of nearly forgotten indigenous varieties. His 24 hectares of organically farmed vineyards are divided among small, densely planted parcels on poor, shallow, calcareous soils, with the cool Atlantic influence and significant day-to-night temperature swings of the Najerilla helping preserve freshness and aromatic definition. Alongside the centenarian Garnacha of Peña El Gato, Sancha’s Ad Libitum wines are born from his long-running work to recover Rioja’s minority varieties, including Maturana Tinta, Maturana Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco and Monastel de Rioja. The result is a remarkably individual expression of Rioja — wines made with minimal interference, where the character of the grape, vineyard and Alto Najerilla terroir take precedence.

The 2023 Ad Libitum Maturana Tinta offers a wonderfully distinctive take on Rioja, beginning with an aromatic profile of dark and red fruits intertwined with violet, savory herbs and warm spice. On the palate, blackberry and black cherry mingle with notes of cocoa, pepper and a subtle green-herbal character, while vibrant acidity gives the wine energy and definition. The texture is generous and enveloping, with polished tannins and well-integrated oak adding depth without obscuring the character of this nearly forgotten Rioja variety. Fresh, structured and deeply individual, it finishes with lingering spice and dark fruit. Enjoy with grilled pork tenderloin, lamb skewers, roasted eggplant, chorizo and other savory sausages or slow-roasted beef.