Producer Overview:
Viñas Leizaola is a small estate near the walled town of Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa, founded by Belgian-born winemaker Étienne Cordonnier. Leizaola is his mother's family name; his grandfather, Jesús María Leizaola, was a president of the Basque Government in exile. The estate takes its name from the historic El Sacramento vineyard, which it has worked since 2011, and makes Tempranillo-Graciano reds and a barrel-aged white.
Wines:
El Sacramento: The estate's flagship, Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano.
Caminos de Sacramento (Rioja Alavesa): Young cherry red. Redcurrant, cassis and cherry with fresh acidity, a hint of tobacco and elegant toast. Medium-bodied, with plum, graphite and coffee notes and fine tannins.
Paloma de Sacramento: Viura, Malvasía and Garnacha Blanca. Bright light yellow, with fresh pastry, vanilla and lemon peel, then white currant, lychee and dried hay. Silky, with citrus and yellow peach and a creamy, fresh finish.