Izadi Larrosa Garnacha Rosé 2020 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious rosé from Spain that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

A relatively new producer, Bodegas Izadi was founded 1987 in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, when Gonzalo Antón, who had a passion for wine and good food, and a group of friends and business people began the ground breaking project. This innovative bodega is located in the village of Villabuena de Alava, in northern Spain, where Gonzalo's family was already growing grapes, and focuses on making fine wine.

With Gonzalo's knowledge of hotels and restaurants, Izadi wines became some of the most highly regarded wines in gastronomic circles. Over time, Izadi has introduced new winemaking techniques and improved their quality to set a particular house style of wine. In 2000, Lalo Antón, Gonzalo's son, joined the company and further expanded its reach around the globe, including adding other brands to the portfolio.

Izadi, which means nature, was the name chosen because they wanted the bodega to show the fruits of its natural surroundings. The 178 hectares of vineyards (70 of which are their own) that Izadi has access to are located in a triangle between the villages of Villabuena, Samaniego, and Abalos. These old, south-facing vineyards have a special micro-climate and are cultivated in an integrated approach with respect for its natural surroundings. The building is on a steep slope, with a 50-metre difference from top to bottom. They use gravity flow to gently move the grapes and wine throughout the 5 levels of the winery.

This particular dry rosé is 100% Garnacha from a selection of low-yield vineyards which were first planted in 1972 at an high-altitude of 790 metres above sea level. On a slope, the soils are clay-chalk with pebbles and are influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The grape were manually harvested and vinified in stainless steel tanks. Let's see how this delightful dry rosé is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#490961) (XD) - $16.95
This 100% old-vine Garnacha pours a pretty, pale salmon colour. The medium+ intensity nose offers aromas of grapefruit, red berry, citrus, and herbs with subtle honey and floral undertones. The dry, mid-weighted palate is fleshy with ripe red berry, strawberry, grapefruit, citrus, and floral flavours with subtle herb and white pepper spice notes adding further interest. It has fresh, balanced acidity and zesty flavour replays on the dry, slightly minerally finish, with very good length. Chill well and enjoy this recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other lovely wines from Bodegas Izadi can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.