This is the perfect blend of the three most important varieties at Martinez Alesanco: Maturana Tinta, Tempranillo, and Garnacha Tinta. It is an unmistakable and stylish wine, where its varieties travel the roads of Badarán and the Upper Najerilla valley, giving us aromas of violet, lavender, ripe peach, and licorice. 

Maturana Tinta is the predominant variety in this wine, accompanied in equal parts by Tempranillo and Garnacha Tinta, which represent the other 50%. Herbal and graphite aromas give way to a palate with firm tannins, bright acidity, and aromas of raspberry and black cherry fruit. 1571 days in French and American oak, with a special light-medium toast, and 450 days in bottle.

Pedro Martínez Alesanco says "Selección is our most personal wine and marks the future of our family’s wines. It is the perfect blend of the three most important varieties of our winery: Maturana Tinta, Tempranillo, and Garnacha Tinta. It is an unmistakable and stylish wine, where its varieties travel the roads of Badarán and the Upper Najerilla valley, giving us aromas of violet, lavender, ripe peach, and licorice."

93/100 by Tim Atkin

I was introduced to Pedro at Bodegas Martínez Alesanco by Miguel Merino’s son, also Miguel. Sadly, it was a visit cut short by time constraints otherwise we may well have long over-stayed our welcome. Sometimes you just know when things are right. Each wine tasted in their impressive new winery was really enjoyed and followed by another equally enjoyed. Each wine with a purpose, a point of difference and a story. The brand-new tasting room has panoramic views over the red soils of the Upper Najerilla towards the Sierra Cantabria which between them largely define the microclimate and wine styles. Maybe the highlight of that first tasting together was the revelation of Maturana Tinta, a re-discovered and re-planted Rioja grape variety.

POLLO DE CORRAL. Free-range chicken raised at Pedro’s Aunt Lidi’s house, where it never lacks good natural feed. Tip: make the sauce with toasted almonds. Of course, if you cook this saucy chicken the way his mum Angelina makes it, you must have a good piece of bread on the side, because the sauce is pure deliciousness