Aseginolaza & Leunda - Birak, Navarra, Spain (2022)

TASTING NOTES

Vibrant notes of crispy red strawberry fruits, violets, and spices. A little wet earth and velvety on the mid-palate. This unfiltered wine is a true representation and introduction of the Navarra terroir, offering an inviting and flavourful experience at a great price.

Sourced from old, non-irrigated vineyards in Olite and Dicastillo both located above 400m. Crafted with all destemmed grapes fermented in stainless tanks followed by  partial aging in old French oak and inox for 8 months

This winery emerged from the vision of Jon Aseginolaza and Pedro M. Leunda, environmental biologists who transformed their passion for wine into a pioneering venture in the historic vineyards of Navarra.

Navarra's viticultural evolution, often in the background of its famous neighbour, Rioja, has experienced significant shifts. Originally, Navarra's winemaking identity was intertwined with Garnacha grapes. However, to expand its market reach, the region began adopting Tempranillo and other international varieties, inadvertently diluting its unique viticultural identity and yielding subpar examples of varieties that should not have been planted there.

Jon and Pedro diverge from this path, focusing on rejuvenating old vineyards, especially those rich in Garnacha located in the limestone-rich northern subregions. These non-irrigated bush planted vineyards, characterized by their hilly locations, ancient vines, and diverse soil types ranging from calcareous sandstone to clay, reflect the region's unique terroir. They are not only preserving Navarra's winemaking legacy but also infusing it with new vitality.

Their approach to winemaking, favouring minimal intervention, results in wines that are authentic, lighter-bodied, and true to their origins.