San Lazaro 2021

Wine Description for San Lazaro 2021 by Artadi

Colour & Appearance

Luminous purple-red in the glass – youthful, clear and of remarkable brilliance.

Nose

Exceptionally fresh and precise. Crisp cherry dominates, accompanied by red grapefruit and violets. The aromatics lean towards red rather than dark fruit – typical for Laguardia. This nose possesses a crystalline purity and aromatic expressiveness reminiscent of a mountain stream: bright, airy, invigorating.

Palate

Juicy yet taut. A gripping acidity lends the wine structure and tension, whilst silky tannins provide elegance. The texture is sleek, vibrant, almost weightlessly light – the 14.5 per cent alcohol remains completely invisible. No oak disturbs the clarity. Precision and finesse in perfection.

Finish

Long, aromatic and carried by silky tannins. The freshness persists right to the end – a wine that won’t let go.

Terroir & Origin

The San Lazaro comes from a mere 1.6-hectare vineyard in Laguardia, south-east facing. The 68-year-old Tempranillo vines are rooted in sandy-loamy soils – a terroir renowned for red-fruited, elegant wines. Artadi has separated itself from the official Rioja designation in order to produce consistently site-specific wines.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Tempranillo, organically certified. The grapes are destemmed and spontaneously fermented. Maturation takes place in oak barrels of varying sizes and ages – employed so subtly that the wood is imperceptible in the finished wine. Pure fruit and terroir take centre stage.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with Jamón Ibérico, whose salty savouriness brings out the wine’s fruit. Also an exciting combination with potato soup with smoked salmon. Generally a versatile companion to grilled vegetables, lamb chops or mature cheeses.

Special Features

Grand Tempranillo cinema from the Basque Rioja. Artadi ranks amongst the pioneers of terroir-driven winemaking in Spain and demonstrates with the San Lazaro 2021 that modern elegance and traditional craftsmanship are not contradictions. A captivating wine of exceptional clarity.