DaTerra Viticultores (Laura Lorenzo) "Azos Da Vila" Tinto 2019

Direct Press Selection | February 2022

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I think at this point I can say that I'm pretty much obsessed with Laura Lorenzo; her passion is expertly translated into the her wines, and I've never been disappointed by one of her bottles. Her wines do what a lot of winemakers reach for, but never quite obtain: they tell the story of where and when they came from. And they do so unapologetically.

Azos Da Vila is field blend consisting mostly of Mouraton, Garnacha Tintorera, and Mencia, with a smattering of other indigenous varieties (some of which haven't been identified). As is traditional with the wines of yesteryear that came from this region, all the grapes are co-planted, picked together and go in to a mix of used chestnut and French oak barrels together for 15 days maceration. The wine then rests for 1 year before being bottled unfined, unfiltered and with just a tiny dose of sulfur.

Laura's reds are always delightfully rustic and alive and Azos da Vila delivers on that promise -  it is buoyant, bright and delicious. The nose has just enough funk dancing playfully around the dark berry tones to feel unique without being polarizing. Medium-bodied with pleasurable tannic structure. The high-toned blood orange acidity works incredibly well with the black cherry and blackberry flavors that dominate the palate. A wonderful wine to pair with red sauce pizza, cured meats or (in my case) an Impossible Burger. [Kirk Sutherland, February 2022]