Winemaker Notes
In 2016, Rioja gave abundant, healthy fruit, so the expert work in the vineyard by Remelluri’s team was essential to the high quality obtained. Winter was one of the mildest of the decade, and spring was rainy, replenishing underground water reserves. Despite the temperate winter, budding came later than usual with an exceptional fruit set. The 2016 is an outstanding, fine vintage for Lindes, velvety-textured with very fine tannins. It has restrained ripeness, integrated alcohol, charming balance, and an open and complex expression on the nose.
Blend: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha
Hailed as the star red variety in Spain’s most celebrated wine region, Tempranillo from Rioja, or simply labeled, “Rioja,” produces elegant wines with complex notes of red and black fruit, crushed rock, leather, toast and tobacco, whose best examples are fully capable of decades of improvement in the cellar.
Rioja wines are typically a blend of fruit from its three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental, although specific sub-region (zonas), village (municipios) and vineyard (viñedo singular) wines can now be labeled. Rioja Alta and Alavesa, at the highest elevations, are considered to be the source of the brightest, most elegant fruit, while grapes from the warmer and drier, Rioja Oriental, produce wines with deep color, great body and richness.