Arizcuren Monte Gatún 2019

Monte Gatún is a new wine from Javier Arizcuren's increasingly exciting project in the Rioja Oriental. Using fruit from his home village of Quel, this partners Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha and 10% Mazuelo in a seamless whole, with 10% whole bunches adding some texture and spice to the floral, grippy bramble and black cherry fruit. The 50% new wood is deftly integrated. 2022-27

The new red 2019 Monte Gatún is 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha and 10% Graciano from the Sierra de Yerga (where the highest peak is the Monte Gatún). This blend connects the varieties from the past in the zone (Garnacha and Graciano) with the current ones (Tempranillo). The zone is possibly too warm for Tempranillo, and you need to control yields and be careful with the harvesting dates so it can deliver fresh and not overripe wines. This is only 13% alcohol and has correct acidity. It aged in new French barriques and concrete yet has no aromas of wood. There are herbal and cereal-like aromas, wild berries and something spicy. The palate is very approachable, soft and textured, with fine tannins that make it easy to drink and a finish of ripe Garnacha fruit. Very pleasant.