Bodega Lanzaga 2022 Corriente Rioja 750ml

Corriente takes its name directly from an unofficial wine classification used in early-20th-century Spain — Corriente wines, meaning "common" or "everyday," versus Selecto wines, reserved for special occasions. Telmo Rodríguez, one of the busiest and most respected winemakers in all of Rioja, built Bodega Lanzaga in 1998 in Lanciego, in the cool Rioja Alavesa subzone, working alongside his partner Pablo Eguzkiza — a disciple of Jean-Claude Berrouet of Pétrus — to restore old, neglected vineyards using genuinely historical, low-intervention methods. Corriente is Telmo's own tribute to that early-20th-century tradition of honest, unpretentious, village-level wine, made "with a deep respect for historical viticulture and winemaking," as the estate's own copy puts it — "neither deceitful nor ostentatious." The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Garnacha, with a small addition of white grapes, sourced from old bush vines around Lanciego and Viñaspre, farmed certified organic across two distinct soil types — calcareous-clay slopes and shallow, low-fertility sandstone plateau soils, at elevations between 480 and 650 meters. Grapes are hand-picked into small boxes and fermented with native yeasts in concrete tank, then aged roughly 12 months in a mix of concrete, barrel, and foudre — genuinely gentler oak treatment than Lanzaga's single-vineyard cuvées, which ferment in open wooden vats instead. The 2022 growing season was genuinely demanding — Telmo's own team described it directly: "2022 was very hot and dry, but the wines are much better than expected, even quite surprising here, with freshness and fine tannins." For genuine house-style context, James Suckling reviewed the closely related 2021 vintage of this same wine at 92 Points, describing "white pepper, raw spices, dark cherries and ripe plums" on the nose, calling it "a more primary expression on Rioja, with an expressive display of crisper, savory-edged red and dark fruits, spices, and a lightly chewy finish." The estate's own tasting notes describe the wine as "fresh, with black fruits and red fruits," the tannins "moderate, with a spicy touch and a spicy, mineral and floral finish." This is genuinely honest, approachable, organically farmed Rioja — real terroir behind a wine built specifically to be enjoyed without ceremony. Origins & Craftsmanship Bodega Lanzaga 2022 Corriente is produced by Telmo Rodríguez, who founded Bodega Lanzaga in 1998 in Lanciego, in the Rioja Alavesa subzone of Rioja, Spain, working alongside partner Pablo Eguzkiza. The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Garnacha, with a small addition of white grapes, sourced from old bush vines around Lanciego and Viñaspre, on calcareous-clay slopes and shallow sandstone plateau soils, at 480 to 650 meters elevation. Farming is certified organic. Grapes are hand-picked into small boxes and fermented with native yeasts in 6,500-8,500kg concrete tanks, then aged approximately 12 months in a mix of old oak barrels and foudre. Wines are lightly filtered before bottling. Critics Reviews No independently confirmed English-language critic score is available for the 2022 vintage specifically at this time. For house-style context, James Suckling reviewed the closely related 2021 vintage of this same wine: James Suckling — 92 Points (2021 vintage): "White pepper, raw spices, dark cherries and ripe plums to the nose. Aged for 12 months in different types of oak, it's a more primary expression on Rioja, with an expressive display of crisper, savory-edged red and dark fruits, spices, and a lightly chewy finish." Telmo Rodríguez / Bodega Lanzaga (grower's note on the 2022 vintage): "2022 was very hot and dry, but the wines are much better than expected, even quite surprising here, with freshness and fine tannins." Bodega Lanzaga (official tasting note): "Fresh, with black fruits and red fruits. The tannins are moderate, with a spicy touch and a spicy, mineral and floral finish." Tasting Profile Nose White pepper and raw spice lead, joined by dark cherry and ripe plum, alongside black and red fruit. Palate Fresh and crisp, savory-edged red and dark fruit carrying through, framed by moderate, spicy tannin. Finish Lightly chewy, closing spicy, mineral, and floral — genuinely honest and food-friendly. Quick Overview Category Details Appellation DO Rioja (Rioja Alavesa), Spain Variety Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, plus a touch of white grapes Vintage 2022 Producer Bodega Lanzaga (Telmo Rodríguez) Founded 1998 Vineyard Old bush vines, Lanciego & Viñaspre Soils Calcareous-clay & sandstone plateau, 480-650m elevation Farming Certified organic Fermentation Native yeast, concrete tank Aging ~12 months, mix of oak barrel & foudre Style / Identity An honest, approachable, organically farmed everyday Rioja — real terroir without pretense Aromas & Flavors Dark cherry, red berry, white pepper, spice, mineral, floral notes Bottle Size 750ml Food Pairings Grilled or roasted meats Vegetable dishes Everyday Spanish fare Charcuterie