Varieties Remírez de Ganuza
This estate was founded in 1989 by Fernando Remírez de Ganuza, who also gave it his name. From the very beginning, innovation and perfection were key principles. Fernando, originally from Navarra, worked for twenty years as a vineyard broker. This gave him a deep understanding of the vineyards in Rioja, especially the old vines.
During those years, the idea grew to produce one of Spain’s greatest wines, using the best vineyards he could find in Rioja. His approach – now almost standard but revolutionary at the time – was to apply strict grape selection and interfere as little as possible during vinification.
He wanted to make the wine in the vineyard, at a time when Rioja wineries typically received grapes from growers and worked from there. Fernando wanted to control the entire process from start to finish, learning and improving every year.
Although his wines were modern in style, they were crafted with great respect for tradition. The bodega reflects that philosophy: located in the small village of Samaniego, in Rioja Alavesa, at the foot of the 17th-century church Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. It looks like any other historic building, but the heart of the winery lies underground. Fernando not only built the cellar there, he also chose to live on the estate with his family.
Throughout the years, Fernando put several of his own ideas into practice in vineyard and cellar, often ahead of their time. The results in his wines were spectacular, but they required attention from the taster: wines with a strong and distinctive personality.
Today, José Ramón Urtasun continues this philosophy with the same conviction. Like Fernando, he is passionate about great wines and stays true to this vision. The style and spirit of the domaine remain, as does the dedication.