Description
Lindes de Remelluri Labastida or to give it its full title and vintage, Viñedos de Labastida Lindes de Remelluri 2020, is an amazing Rioja that comes, unsurprisingly, from the Remelluri “stable” which is overseen by renowned winemaker, Telmo Rodriguez. A Rioja produced organically from 89% Tempranillo grapes blended with 6% Graciano and 5% Garnacha or Grenache, Viñedos de Labastida Lindes de Remelluri 2020 is a modern Rioja, mouth-wateringly fresh and light on oak influence (fermentation is in stainless steel tanks and ageing is in used oak barrels). It tastes overwhelmingly of red berries and black fruits but also has some mineral notes which is a feature of Labastida Rioja.
The Lindes collection of wines are different from other Remelluri wines in that they combine the grapes of traditional growers or “viticultores” from towns around the Remelluri estate, in this case eleven growers with different vineyards ranging from 440 to 710 meters above sea level in the town of Labastida. This does not however mean that Remelluri standards are compromised; in fact terroir remains key and this wine represents best the Labastida terroir – altitude cools down temperatures meaning fresh acidity and lower alcohol; high calcium content in the soils brings structure to the wine, minerality and a smooth texture.
This wine is a Rioja that I have been following for a number of vintages, but kept on resisting given that I have a number of Riojas in the portfolio – until now. After tasting the Lindes de Remelluri Labastida 2020, I just had to add it. The Lindes collection of wines come in Bordeaux or Burgundy bottles depending on the amount of Garnacha in the wine; the Labastida with only 5% Garnacha comes in a Bordeaux bottle. The 2020 vintage was a bit of a mixed bag in terms of weather and mildew with some parts of Rioja seeing much reduced yields; this is where the advantage of using grapes from different vineyards comes in handy.
If you want to step up a notch, try Lanzaga Rioja or Remelluri Rioja Reserva.