An Intoduction to La Rioja Alta

Established in 1890 by five families with one common aim of producing the very best wines possible. La Rioja Alta has been for 130 years (and continues to be) the ultimate benchmark for traditional Rioja, renown worldwide for their sensational, age-worthy, and great value Reserva and Gran Reserva wines such as Viña Ardanza Reserva, Gran Reserva ‘904’ and Gran Reserva ‘890’.

 

Q & A

How did you get started in the wine trade?

I started in 1996, where I was already working at La Rioja Alta as Head of Quality Control, and then later I became the Oenologist at Torre de Oña, as well as Áster. In 2005, I took responsibility for the whole group as Head Winemaker and Technical Director.

 

Can you describe the La Rioja vineyards?

La Rioja Alta SA, was founded in 1890 in the train station district (Barrio de la Estación) in Haro by a group of 5 families, who are still present in the management of the company to this day. It is a small group of wineries located in the best DO in Spain: Lagar de Cervera in Rias Baíxas, Viñedos y Bodegas Áster in Ribera del Duero, as well as Torre de Oña and La Rioja Alta SA in the DOCa Rioja. At all of them, the wines we make come from our own vineyards. In the case of Rioja, the Tempranillo is the main grape, although we do also have Garnacha to produce Viña Ardanza, as well as Graciano and Mazuelo, used in the Gran Reservas Arana, 904 and 890. In Ribera del Duero, Tinta del Pais or Tinto Fino is the protagonist, and in Rias Baíxas, Albariño is the dominant variety, although there is a small proportion of Caiño blanca, Treixadura and Loureiro.

 

What is your winemaking philosophy?

We maintain a philosophy of utmost respect for the environment, applying techniques that help us reduce the use of chemical compounds. We do not have a biodynamic or organic certificate, although we are practising organic farming on more than 20-hectares of vines. 

 

What is one of your favourite varietals to work with, and why?

Tempranillo and Graciano for producing our Gran Reservas.

 

What is the best wine you have made?

Gran Reserva ‘890’ 2005.

 

What are your thoughts on Spain’s perception in today’s fine wine market?

I think the perception of our wines abroad is superb… I believe that we offer an excellent quality-price ratio that is simply unbeatable, and more importantly, consumers genuinely love the style of Spanish wines!

 

If you had to recommend just one of your wines to a customer, which would it be?

It would have to be Viña Ardanza 2015, which will be released on the UK market soon – it’s a great wine…

 

If you could make wine anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

Burgundy, or South Africa.

 

What is your favourite wine, and who would you share it with?

Without a doubt Viña Arana Gran Reserva. I always drink this with my family and friends.

 

What is your favourite restaurant in Logroño (or Spain), and why?

El Restaurante Potral del Echaurren in Ezcaray (La Rioja). Head Chef Francis Paniego is a culinary master; simultaneously combining traditional, as well as avant-garde cooking in perfect harmony.