Classic Rioja - smooth oak, not in your face! Spicey Tempranillo grape rounded off with Garnacha. Like Rioja? - Like this!

Aged for 13 months in American oak barrels and 10 months in bottle before release.
Tempranillo 85%, Garnacha Tinta 11%, Maturana Tinta 3%, and Viura 1%

90/100 from Tim Atkin M.W.

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.

RIOJA-STYLE POTATOES. The secret of good Rioja-style potatoes lies in the use of authentic Riojan chorizo and dried choricero peppers; as well as the freshest potatoes possible, which must be “chascadas” (or “cracked”), never cut with a knife, but kind of ripped away in chunks so they release their starch which makes a thick, succulent sauce.