Cuvée 2021

ProducerAseginolaza & LeundaRegionNavarra, SpainGrapeGarnacha 75%, Mazuelo 20%, Tempranillo 5%GeologyCalcareous clayFarmingOrganic (uncertified)Vintage2021ABV14%CertifierUncertified

AbstractBerry, spicy, taut
Old-vine Garnacha with Mazuelo adding structure, followed by eight months in used French oak.

Winemaker
Jon Aseginolaza and Pedro Leunda are childhood friends from San Sebastián and environmental biologists. They began with Santa Zita, an old Garnacha vineyard near San Martín de Unx, in 2016.

They restore neglected vineyards in Navarra, pruning, tending and picking by hand. The vines rely on rainfall and organic compost, with no herbicides or systemic pesticides. Their farming is organic, without certification.

Wine
Cuvée 2021 brings together 75% Garnacha, 20% Mazuelo and 5% Tempranillo from old, dry-farmed bush vines. Mazuelo gives the red-fruited Garnacha a firmer thread of acidity and a spicy finish.

The grapes are hand-picked and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, including 40% whole bunches. Brief daily pump-overs precede basket pressing and malolactic fermentation in steel. Eight months in old French oak follow. The wine settles naturally and is bottled unfiltered with a small sulphur addition.

Origin
The fruit comes from Dicastillo, Olite and Muruzabal, at 410–490 metres. South- and southeast-facing parcels have calcareous clay soils of varying depth.