Challao 2020

The top-of-the range red 2020 Challao was produced with 80% grapes from a mountain vineyard that was planted in 1945 at 585 meters and another younger vineyard that was planted in 2001 at lower altitude and a warmer climate, both in the valley between Briñas and Labastida. It's about 85% Tempranillo and the rest a myriad of varieties—Garnacha, Mazuelo, Viura, Garnacha Blanca and other grapes. It fermented in open concrete vats with around 40% full clusters that were foot trodden and the rest uncrushed grapes with indigenous yeasts and a 35-day maceration. It matured in 500-liter oak barrels for 10 months, each plot separate, and then was blended and kept in those barrels for a further 10 months. It's 13% alcohol and has a low pH of 3.43; it's a lot more austere, serious, cold and closed, insinuating, reticentand elegant, reminiscent of the Rioja from yesteryear. The palate is medium-bodied and textured, with fine chalkiness and a long and dry finish. It has great potential to develop in bottle. 1,471 bottles, 25 magnums and ten double magnums were filled in May 2022.

The second vintage of this superb cuvée of Tempranillo with lesser amounts of Garnacha, Garnacha Blanca, Graciano, Malvasía and Viura more than lives up to the promise of the first release. Sourced from two plots in the highest and best part of Labastida, it has subtle reduction, some tobacco leaf and clove spice from 30% whole bunches, very little oak, red cherry and pomegranate fruit and a salty finish. 2024-35