Alzania 'El Retorno' Garnacha 2022 (750 ml)

100% Garnacha
Fermentation Wood tanks, Indigenous yeasts
Aging 8 months in new French oak + 3 months in large French oak vats
Filter / Fining None
ABV 14%
Farming Methods Sustainable

Alzania’s El Retorno takes its name to bring forth the concept of ‘returning’ to using the old vineyards of the Navarra region in order to make wine, from a grape that has been their for a very long time: Garnacha. In an area that is now well known for its use of international varietals, Jose Manuel has recovered one particular old vineyard (and the only one left of its kind), called Finca Androneca that has olive trees and bush vines of Garnacha growing together in harmony. Together with an 80-year-old plot called Finca Loño, and 90-year plot called Finca El Peregrino, the Retorno is made to showcase these incredible vines. The grapes are fermented in small wooden tanks for about 3 weeks until it is transferred to new French and American oak to begin malolactic fermentation. The wine then rests there for 8 months before it is moved to large French oak vats for a final 3 months of rest before bottling. The result is nothing short of spectacular. Gorgeously balanced between fruit, earth, wood, spice, and acidity, the aromas and the flavors are harmonious and beautifully expressive of the varietal. Fresh spring flowers, blue and red fruit character, wet rocks, and peppery spice come together for an elegant medium to full bodied red. A perfect bottle for many occasions and cuisines.

Since 1999, Jose Manuel has developed a reputation amongst his peers, as one of the top winemakers in Spain. His bodega produces less than 5,000 cases per year of small lot, hand-crafted wines from approximately 18 hectares of vineyards within the Tierra Estella sub-region of Navarra in Northern Spain. With his wife Maria Saenz-Olazabal, the two enologists have created two stunning lines of wines: Alzania, and Saenz-Olazabal. Each vintage, the release of new wines shows a consistent and exceptional dedication to the varying estate fruit, and result in wines of elegance and concentration that can stand up with the top wines of the world. Jose Manuel's vineyards are never irrigated, never see herbicides or chemicals, and his plants produce between 3,000 to 5,000 kg/hectare on average. As a minimalist in the cellar as well, natural fermentation take place for all of the wines, carefully thought out oak treatments are used to complement the variety, and remarkably low amounts of sulfites are used during the process. These wines are truly a magnificent approach to both international grapes and the local expression of Garnacha, and continue to express more and more of the territory year after year.

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