Vinos del Panoramico Rioja Clarete

Brand new to the US, but very prominent on Michelin-starred tables across Europe and the UK are the brilliant wines of Panoramico. Daniel Rodriquez began Panorámico with his cousin, Alejandro, who left his post at Pingus to begin this project focused on reclaiming tiny parcels of old vines in La Rioja Alta.

Their small lots are made alongside Daniel’s father Miguel Ángel Rodriquez of Bodegas Vinícola Real. Accessing several half-hectare parcels of indigenous varieties across the high elevation “Alto Najerilla” (above 720 meters) and “majuelos” (old vines, many over a century old) in the more complex and structured terroir of the “Iregua Valley”. In addition to organic farming, hand-harvesting, rigorous selection, and everything else you’d want from a true vigneron — particularly Daniel’s aversion to American oak and preference for 500-liter lightly toasted French oak demi-muids that elevate the terroir and offer Rioja with juicy, drinkable fun.

In the words of importer Lyle Railsback: "70% Viura from 750 meters that is gravity bled into concrete egg with whole clusters of 30% Garnacha Tinto from 80-year vines. These are co-fermented for a Rioja that tastes as if the ghost of Marcel Lapierre was somehow involved." Definitely a more savory and food-friendly rose. Enjoy with pork in any form -- steaks, jamon, or roasts.