It was my first foray into Rioja and I was so lucky that I hit the jackpot straight away when I met Estella, daughter of Luis Alberto, from Bodegas Lecea.
I was blown away by not only the quality of the wine, the hospitality and the location but I could sense that this is a family that enjoy making wine as much and if not more than actually drinking it. There is a confidence to what they do which allows them to be bold and daring in their methods but there is also a sense of fun. The only way I could share in that joy was to share a glass with them.
It will remain, without doubt, one of my favourite wine tastings of all time and like me you will be a fan of Bodegas Lecea forever.
Located in Cerillo Verbale de San Asensio in the heart of Rioja Alta, their vineyard is amazing in so many ways, from the rugged hilly landscape to the subterranean network of caves and tunnels dating from the 16th century that makes up their winery. This allows their wine to rest at a constant 13 degrees even in the summer months when the northern Spanish heat grips the land.
As well as Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva Riojas, I was surprised to discover a range of sumptuous white and rosé varieties that demonstrated not only their expertise in winemaking but also a desire to be innovative and to extend themselves beyond the traditional.
