Javier Arizcuren ' Monte Gatún Tinto 2023 '

Javier Arizcuren comes from a family of winegrowers from Quel, in the eastern part of Rioja (Rioja Oriental), an area formerly known as Rioja Baja. While Rioja is typically associated with Tempranillo-dominated wines, Javier brought a fresh vision to the rich, but often forgotten, indigenous traditions of his region. He studied viticulture and enology at the University of La Rioja and gained experience in various wine regions before deciding to focus entirely on his family's vineyards. In 2011, he took over the management of the family vineyards (approximately 16 ha of old vines, some over 100 years old) and began producing small quantities of wine with respect for traditional varieties such as Garnacha and Mazuelo, but also with Tempranillo as a contemporary base. For him, this blend symbolizes the past, present, and future of Rioja Oriental.

Description: Red and black berries, wild herbs (e.g., thyme, lavender), ripe fig and a hint of Mediterranean shrubs, medium body with soft, refined tannins, bright acidity and a smooth texture

Pairs well with: Pulled pork tacos with cilantro-lime salsa, risotto with roasted bell peppers, artichokes and bacon, grilled padron peppers with lemon-tahini dressing

Fun fact: This wine undergoes a slow, natural fermentation and is then aged for 12 months, partly in French oak and partly in concrete, which provides a combination of structure and freshness without heavy oak notes