Vinos del Panoramico Rioja Tinto

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.

Panoramico's red is truly delightful. Daniel and his father are big believers in Garnacha as a dominant force in the Rioja of old, and while many are ripping out the old vines, they seek them out. This particular cuvée has over 20% included for an aromatic liveliness one can only get from old-vine Garnacha. The balance is in Tempranillo, and this is a very pretty, ethereal style of Rioja. Cool and juicy red fruits play nicely with the floral, herbal, and mineralic style that is a trademark of Riojas from the Alta zone. The palate is fresh, tasty, spicy with fine and silky tannins that give it an elegant feel.