Rico Nuevo Garnacha 2022

Established in 2018 by Juanan Martín, a protégé of Dani Landi, Rico Nuevo draws on Juanan’s old family vineyards. His plots, including a remarkable 77-year-old monopole vineyard, are located in the Alto Alberche, a historic area within the Cebreros PDO that stands out for its cooler microclimate and high altitude (around 1,000 metres on average). The vines are farmed biodynamically, and the grapes are hand-picked and vinified with a respectful, minimal-intervention approach — native yeasts, no fining or filtration — allowing the terroir to speak for itself. On these windswept, poor granitic soils, Rico Nuevo produces chiselled, fragrant wines that highlight Garnacha’s potential for elegance and freshness over sheer power. This is Garnacha for people who love Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo.

17/20 - I think we should start an honours roll for winegrowers who make Grenache/Garnacha like this, because this is a style that honours the variety rather than winemaking or scores/trophy chasing. It’s Grenache unplugged, no make-up, no filters. Naked tannins: lean muscle and long sinew without bulk; the tissue-paper texture of silver-birch bark. Translucent fruit: strawberries, raspberries steeped in honeybush tea. Morning fragrance: bruised rose petals, lavender. It’s really beautiful. A Garnacha for burgundy lovers. - Tamlyn Currin, Jancisrobinson.com