Castillo Labastida Rioja Crianza (magnum) 2020

Labastida is a beautiful medieval village in Rioja Alavesa, prized for its pebbly limestone soils and patchwork of tiny vineyards. These plots are nearly all family-owned, handed down the generations and tended with great pride. Planted high – 550 metres upward – they catch the coolness of Atlantic breezes and the nearby Cantabria mountains, while large pebbles absorb the sun's heat by day and warm the vines at night. The outcome is silky, elegant wines of red fruit intensity. Javier Cereceda is the winemaker at Castillo Labastida. He trained with the famous Telmo Rodriguez and was part of the team that created a renowned 100-point wine. Fine Tempranillo, aged in barrel, this silky Crianza will pair well with lamb or rice dishes.