# Las Franjas (2020)

- **Producer:** Vinos Norzagarai
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** redcurrant, raspberry, cherry, plum, vanilla, smoke

## About this wine

Las Franjas is a distinctive red wine crafted by Santiago Norzagaray, the sole force behind Vinos Norzagarai, a project rooted in Rioja Alavesa, Basque Country, Spain. Santiago, originally from the Basque region, is dedicated to producing 'Vinos Auténticos' – authentic wines that truly express their terroir and the inherent characteristics of the Tempranillo grape. His philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's voice to shine through in every bottle. This commitment to natural winemaking positions Las Franjas as a true reflection of its origin.

## Interesting facts

- Santiago Norzagaray is a one-man operation, personally overseeing every aspect of his 'Vinos Auténticos' project.
- The wine is explicitly classified as a 'Natural Wine,' emphasizing minimal intervention and pure expression of terroir.
- Grapes for Las Franjas come from a 40-year-old vineyard, cultivated organically and harvested by hand.
- The 2020 vintage spent 18 months aging in used oak barrels, contributing subtle complexity.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied Tempranillo, with its ripe tannins and intense fruit, demands substantial and rich dishes. Its structure and complexity stand up beautifully to robust proteins like lamb, beef, and game. The wine's smoky and vanilla notes from oak aging will complement roasted or grilled meats, while its fruit intensity can balance rich sauces and stews, creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.

## Wine making process

The 2020 vintage of Las Franjas is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, sourced from a venerable 40-year-old vineyard in Rioja Alavesa. Viticulture is entirely organic, with the vineyard undergoing 'Conversion Bio' practices, and the harvest is meticulously carried out by hand. In the cellar, the wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation, adhering to a low-intervention approach. Following fermentation, the wine is matured for 18 months in used oak barrels, a process that gently shapes its profile without overpowering the fruit, aligning with its 'Natural Wine' classification.