Luberri 'Biga' Crianza 2019

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, Spain
Grape(s): Tempranillo
Winemaker: Florentino Martínez Monje
Drinks Best: Now - 5 years

Florentino is no stranger to working with his hands and getting dirty. At an early age he was farming and later helped manage his father’s agricultural business with his brothers in Elciego, Rioja near where Florentino’s 71 acres of sprawling vineyards are located today. For the ‘Biga’, he keeps yields low on his 40+ year old vines to ensure great concentration, and he ages the wine for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak to add classic smoky tobacco and vanilla aromas to the finished wine. On the palate there are blackberry and red cherry fruit flavors beautifully accented by notes of allspice, all framed by soft yet tenacious tannins.

Pairings: Texas-style smoked barbecue brisket