2021 Pujanza Norte

The 2020 Bodegas Pujanza Norte is a single-vineyard Rioja Alavesa red that showcases the pure, high-altitude expression of Tempranillo. Crafted from one of the estate’s coolest and most elevated plots, this wine delivers intensity, precision, and a remarkable sense of place. It stands out as a modern, terroir-driven Rioja with the structure for aging and the elegance to enjoy now after a brief decant.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Pujanza Norte 2020 shows a deep, vivid ruby color with a youthful purple rim, signaling both concentration and freshness. The nose opens with fragrant layers of black cherry, ripe plum, and wild berries, followed by notes of violet, fresh thyme, graphite, and subtle spice. Hints of cocoa, cedar, and wet stone add complexity as the wine evolves in the glass. On the palate, this is focused and energetic, with a core of dark red and black fruit framed by firm yet polished tannins. There’s a beautiful tension between ripeness and acidity, reflecting the vineyard’s altitude and cooler exposition. Flavors of cherry, blackberry, and boysenberry are woven with mineral undertones, fine-grained oak, and a touch of savory herbs. The finish is long, precise, and saline, suggesting excellent aging potential over the next 10–15 years, with further complexity expected to unfold in bottle.

Production
Pujanza Norte comes from a single high-altitude vineyard in Rioja Alavesa, planted on poor, limestone-rich soils that naturally limit yields and enhance concentration. The site’s cool exposure and significant diurnal range help preserve acidity and aromatic complexity in the Tempranillo grapes. Harvesting is done by hand, with meticulous selection in the vineyard and again at the winery to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy clusters are used. After gentle destemming and fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks, the wine is aged in French oak barrels (often predominantly used oak) to highlight structure and nuance without overpowering the fruit. The result is a refined, terroir-driven Rioja that speaks clearly of its origin rather than of heavy winemaking.

Food & Serving
This 2020 Pujanza Norte is a superb partner for roasted or grilled lamb, Iberian pork chops, game birds, and richly flavored beef dishes such as ribeye or short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with aged Manchego, hard sheep’s milk cheeses, mushroom-based dishes, and earthy, herb-laced stews. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to showcase its aromatic detail and structural finesse. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to allow the tannins to soften and the mineral and floral notes to fully emerge.

Producer
Bodegas Pujanza is a quality-focused estate based in Laguardia, at the heart of Rioja Alavesa, known for championing single-vineyard expressions of Tempranillo. Founded by Carlos San Pedro, whose family has long roots in the region’s viticulture, the winery has built a reputation for elegant, terroir-driven wines that reflect altitude, soil, and microclimate rather than overt oak. By working exclusively with estate vineyards and emphasizing careful vineyard management and precise, low-intervention winemaking, Pujanza has become one of the standout modern producers in Rioja Alavesa, helping redefine the region’s image toward site-specific, ageworthy reds like Pujanza Norte.

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