# Labastida Tempranillo

- **Producer:** Bodegas y Viñedos Labastida
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 16–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, raspberry, sloe, violet, nutty

## About this wine

Labastida Tempranillo is a red wine produced by Bodegas y Viñedos Labastida in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region of Spain. The winery, founded in 1964 as a cooperative, is the largest in the Basque Country. It is situated in a village historically linked to winemaking innovation. The vineyards are located in a privileged area of Rioja Alavesa, benefiting from a distinct microclimate influenced by the Sierra Cantabria mountains and the Ebro River, with clay-limestone soils. This wine represents the youngest, most fruit-forward style of Tempranillo from the producer.

## Interesting facts

- Founded as a cooperative in 1964.
- Located in the historic village of Manuel Quintano.
- The largest cooperative winery in the Basque Country.
- Vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant fruitiness and moderate acidity make it a versatile companion for Spanish tapas and dishes featuring cured meats. The acidity can cut through richer flavors, while the fruit notes complement savory elements.

## Wine making process

The production of Labastida Tempranillo involves de-stemmed grapes undergoing a cold pre-fermentation maceration for 36 hours at 6°C to enhance aromatic extraction. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 26°C, with a total maceration period of 14 days. The wine then undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Following this, it is placed in concrete deposits for clarification before being bottled, preserving its youthful fruit-forward profile.