Telmo Rodriguez's estates span almost the entire Iberian Peninsula, working a total of 355 parcels and 43 local Spanish grape varieties. Nevertheless, the centre has always remained Rioja, specifically Rioja Alavesa – the northern, Basque part of the wine region. Due to the cool climate and steep slopes, this part of the region has always been about stronger terroir character, and with the warming climate in recent decades, the vineyards here have become increasingly valued. The estate's eponymous wine, Lanzaga, most clearly demonstrates how different Telmo Rodriguez's approach is from the mainstream in Rioja. 

This is a selection from the estate’s own organically cultivated vineyards, where among the old, bush-trained vines, Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha make up the majority of the varieties, though occasionally long-forgotten local grapes also appear. The fermentation is 100% spontaneous and takes place in concrete tanks, followed by ageing in large used barrels of 15 to 25 hectolitres. The absence of American oak barrel ageing allows the character of the grape varieties and the terroir to shine through more vividly. After aromas of red berry fruit and green herbs, the generous palate is mineral-driven, with plenty of fine-grained tannins, long flavours and a taut structure. This wine is one of the classics in our Spanish selection. 

“We dream of making the best Rioja wine of the 18th century.” – Telmo Rodriguez.