Challao 2020

2020 / 96 puntos

The top-of-the range red 2020 Challao was produced with 80% grapes from a mountain vineyard that was planted in 1945 at 585 meters and another younger vineyard that was planted in 2001 at lower altitude and a warmer climate, both in the valley between Briñas and Labastida. It's about 85% Tempranillo and the rest a myriad of varieties—Garnacha, Mazuelo, Viura, Garnacha Blanca and other grapes. It fermented in open concrete vats with around 40% full clusters that were foot trodden and the rest uncrushed grapes with indigenous yeasts and a 35-day maceration. It matured in 500-liter oak barrels for 10 months, each plot separate, and then was blended and kept in those barrels for a further 10 months. It's 13% alcohol and has a low pH of 3.43; it's a lot more austere, serious, cold and closed, insinuating, reticentand elegant, reminiscent of the Rioja from yesteryear. The palate is medium-bodied and textured, with fine chalkiness and a long and dry finish. It has great potential to develop in bottle. 1,471 bottles, 25 magnums and ten double magnums were filled in May 2022.