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A return to the origins of Rioja wines
Legendary wineries have emerged from it thanks to the Bordeaux influence. Throughout the years, the DO has grown significantly. Several types of wine are produced within it, from modern to classical ones, all of them under the brands Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Nowadays, many small winemakers produce wine without been attached to any labels and even refusing to be under the DO. Their intention is to represent the region in a fair way, without any tags and without falling for any trends. They aim to reinterpret the aromas and flavours that reminisce their childhood. Cultivating the vines with respect for the environment and avoiding overripening. In the winery, they make wines in a traditional way, without over extractions nor excess of wood, giving the grape the starring role.
Here we show you six small wineries that we think make wines with an extraordinary personality:
Vinos Subterráneos: A winery that comes from the underground caves in San Vicente de la Sonsierra. They are currently located in Laguardia. Gabi and his friends make this wine for their own enjoyment. They want to have a good time and reinterpret the classical style of Rioja from their own point of view. They make their wine with the local varieties of the area, ageing them for long periods of time in small used barrels. They produce two wines, V/O and Herminio Bolaextra. The first one, which we present to you, is made from the three classic varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano and a small amount of Viura. A limited number of 1250 bottles that contain the pure essence of Rioja. Don’t wait to try it!
En voz baja: This young winery founded in 2012 by Carlos Mazo and Isabel Ruiz, will show us one of the most authentic profiles of La Rioja Baja. Old Grenache and Graciano vines from the region of Alfaro. Alongside the dry Mediterranean climate, they fulfil a perfect symbiosis to live together and provide the best of these varieties. The alchemy unfolds in a small winery of Aldeanueva del Ebro, with local yeasts and no filtering. 100% Pure juice from La Rioja Baja.
Bodega Azpillaga Urarte: Regarding regenerative agriculture, Eduardo is one of the leaders in the area of Lanciego (Rioja Alavesa). He makes this Viña El Pago like no other, using carbonic maceration, the most classical style of the Rioja Alavesa. A fruity wine, with body and with a long life ahead.
Tentenublo: Roberto Oliván “El Pistolero de Viñaspre” (Rioja Alavesa) is a man who is passionate about his vines. He spends his days riding his horse around the vineyards, thinking about what he can do to make them grow as well as possible. He intends to interpret his old vineyards as honestly as he can to make his Ardachos, while he plants new vines so that his children can carry on cultivating them and enjoying them. Xérico is a drinkable wine, and with this cuvée, he wants to pay tribute to his people, who are a true reflection of what they used to drink.
El Mozo Wines: a winery we have known for some time here. We spoke with them previously in our blog post “Un día en la galaxia de El Mozo Wines”. Malaspiedras was a step forward compared to what they produced before in the family winery. A selection of the best vines and a winemaking process without intervention. Ageing in barrels so that it stabilises and gains complexity.
Abel Mendoza: and lastly, the master, the winemaker par excellence. A person we had the pleasure to meet; Abel Mendoza, the word of a winemaker. For many years, he has been making this wine, which comes from a vineyard of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, without using oenological products. Now he has reached his goal: to produce wine without disguise nor defects.
We will carry on expanding this list, as Rioja wines have great potential and exciting projects will continue to be placed on the market.
