López de Haro, The Wine Society's Generation Series Rioja, Spain 2020

Before Tempranillo reigned supreme, Garnacha played a central role in Rioja, a protagonism the variety is slowly reclaiming by producers that recognise its potential for freshness and terroir expressiveness in the region. Among them is López de Haro with whom The Wine Society worked to produce this very interesting example of what its early Rioja listings might have tasted like. What customers get is, however, a window to the region’s future; a filigreed tannic structure and defined red fruit make for an intriguing and pleasurable wine, with a firm grip and spicy vibrancy. A touch of dark chocolate and garrigue add savoury interest to the finish.