spanish wines - La Rioja

52-60 2023 is the third vintage of this distinctive blend of red and white grapes by Abel Mendoza. The wine comes from small, contiguous plots in Mondiarte, in Labastida. The vines are around 60 years old and are planted on red sandstone soils. The vineyards are farmed organically. The blend is made from Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha, complemented by white grapes such as Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía Riojana and Viura. Only 1,407 bottles were produced.

50 year old vines. 2,500 bottles. This is Abel Mendoza's top white wine. A perfect blend of 5 different varietals; Viura (aka Macabeu), Malvoisie, White Tempranillo, Torrontés et White Grenache.

A micro-vinification from selected grapes, berry by berry, in the best parcels of old vines. Only one to two barrels are produced each year, so only 60 bottles are available for Belgium. One of the only Rioja wines made with 100% Graciano.

A micro-vinification from selected grapes, berry by berry, in the best parcels of old vines. Only one to two barrels are produced each year, so only 60 bottles are available for Belgium.

Malvasía was the first white wine Abel Mendoza produced, back in 1992, when Malvasía Riojana had almost disappeared from Rioja. This is not the aromatic Malvasía Cándida, but Malvasía Riojana, a more austere and rather neutral variety, also known as Alarije or Subirat Parent. After more than 30 years of experience with this grape, Abel Mendoza produces a white Rioja with freshness, tension and a saline undertone. Production of around 2,100 bottles.

This cuvée only uses the best grapes from the oldest vines. Its precise origin can thus vary from one year to another according to the ripeness and quality of the grapes.

This micro-vinification wine is made with hand selected grapes (berry by berry) from the best and oldest vines. The production is only one to two barrels per year. There are only 60 bottles available for the Belgian market!

Viura is another name for Macabeo. At Abel Mendoza, this 100% Viura comes from old vines scattered across different plots, often planted among other traditional grape varieties. The vines are around 40 years old on average and grow on clay and limestone soils. At Abel Mendoza, Viura is often the most austere and taut of his single-varietal white wines. Production of 3,300 bottles.

Jarrarte is the second wine, alongside the white single-varietal wines Viura and Malvasía, which are produced in very limited volumes (approximately 1,200 bottles per variety). The total production of Jarrarte is around 4,000 bottles. Jarrarte means “between the stones” in Basque, a reference to the poor soils in which the vines are planted.

The carbonic maceration method is traditionally used in Rioja. However, these Riojas are hardly comparable to Beaujolais wines, which are lighter and fruitier than Riojas made from Tempranillo grapes.

A Crianza-level wine, but the bodega cannot use this term (nor Reserva) because its production is too limited.

Something very special ! This wine comes from a small vineyard in Sajazarra, of which 2/3 is over 100 years old and 1/3 is Tempranillo of 40 years old. The final field blend ensures we get a light very floral wine with lots of character.

Beautiful classic white Rioja wine composed of several grapes sourced from plots in Fontaleche, Sajazarra and Labastida. Complex white wine that perfectly reflects their philosophy.

Eva and Oscar's classic white. This wine has been aged for 4 years before being launched on the market. It pays homage to the traditional long-lasting whites of the Rioja. Both complex and original.

This was their first fully owned vineyard (they bought it in 2016). Beautiful plot of over 100-year-old vines in Fonzaleche. Rioja of Grand Cru level.

Typical clarete: a blend of red grapes (Garnacha tinta) and white grapes (Viura). This is a fine example of a “Blouge” wine, a contraction of blanc and rouge. Historically a very classic style for this region, it is now rarely produced.

One of their grand crus, from a vineyard in Fonzaleche, planted by Eva and her father in 1992. La Calleja is a classic in the making. Pure Tempranillo expression from authentic winemakers.

This blend of Tempranillo and Grenache is the estate's flagship wine. The Tempranillo comes from their usual vines between Sajazarra and Fonzaleche. The Grenache comes from old vineyards in the Rioja Baja, in Cardenas.

Limited and original project from the Anton family. Orben's wines are limited and distinct in the range anyway, but this Chocolate is another story in its own right. Sourced from a number of small vineyards totalling 0.8 ha at an altitude of 520 m, located between Laguardia and Villabuena de Alava. Very poor terroir with sandy soils and little water. 3 vintages are always blended into 1 wine.