Telmo Rodriguez is one of Spain’s brightest winemaking talents whose skill is finding ancient well-placed vineyards and re-establishing them to produce high quality wines. Based in Logroño, he produces a diverse range of wines from Rioja as well as from other leading Spanish regions.
His top wine from the northeastern corner of Rioja Alta is Altos de Lanzaga - a wine of considerable concentration that remains elegantly structured with fine, ripe tannins and a smooth and powerful palate. In Ribera del Duero Rodriguez is behind the fresh-tasting, unoaked Gazur made from 100% tempranillo which relies on intense blackberry fruit and ripe, velvety tannins for its quality. Pegaso is another rich and flamboyant red from the same area. Both of these wines are marvellous examples of the region.
Rodriguez has interests in other up-and-coming areas including in Toro, an exciting region next to Ribera del Duero where the slightly lower altitude and sandy soils can produce opulently sweet grapes. The wines here, which include Dehesa Gago and Pago La Jara, are attractively-priced for the quality. Lesser-known areas have also caught Rodriguez’s eye of late including Valdeorras in Galicia where he makes the delightful Gaba do Xil Godello. This is certainly one star we expect will continue to shine as he looks for new and ever more challenging projects throughout his native country.