Labastida is a beautiful medieval village in Rioja Alavesa, prized for its pebbly limestone soils and patchwork of tiny vineyards. It is best known for the single-vineyard Rioja Las Beatas, the only Spanish wine awarded 100 points by fine wine critic James Suckling.
Castillo Labastida enjoys similar growing conditions to Las Beatas, but it costs a tiny fraction of the price. A high altitude, plus cool breezes from the nearby mountains, slow the ripening, resulting in silky, elegant wines with red fruit intensity.
It even benefits from the same expertise. Javier Cereceda, the winemaker at Castillo Labastida, did his apprenticeship under the great Telmo Rodrigues Las Beatas fame.
Aged for a year in oak, and a further three in bottle, this silky Crianza offers lush ripe blackberry and cherry fruit with notes of toasted coconut. Enjoy with lamb or Spanish rice dishes.