Bodega La Rioja Alta | Bilbao

Bodega La Rioja Alta is one of the most prestigious and historic wineries in the Rioja wine region of Spain, located in Haro, the heart of La Rioja Alta. Founded in 1890, this family-owned winery is renowned for its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation in winemaking. It is especially known for producing fine red wines, primarily made from the Tempranillo grape, which is the cornerstone of Rioja wines.

Key Features of Bodega La Rioja Alta:

History and Foundation:

• Bodega La Rioja Alta was established in 1890 by a group of five visionary Rioja winegrowers, including the legendary Juan de Arizá. The winery was born out of the desire to produce wines of the highest quality that would reflect the unique terroir of the Rioja Alta region.
• Over the years, the winery has remained family-run, and it has earned a reputation as one of the leading producers in the region. Its wines have become synonymous with the rich winemaking tradition of Rioja.

Location and Terroir:

• The winery is located in the town of Haro, which is in the Rioja Alta sub-region of the Rioja Denomination of Origin (DO). This area is famous for its high-altitude vineyards, where the cooler climate and fertile soils contribute to the production of grapes with complex aromas, flavors, and balanced acidity.
• The winery’s vineyards are spread across Haro and neighboring towns, with a variety of grape varieties grown, including Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo. The focus is on creating wines that reflect the region’s unique characteristics, with a balance of fruit, oak, and aging potential.

Winemaking Philosophy:

• Bodega La Rioja Alta is known for its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, especially aging. The winery uses a combination of American and French oak barrels to age its wines, which imparts unique characteristics such as vanilla, spice, and toasted notes.
• The winery also follows a principle of slow aging to ensure the wines reach their full potential before being released to the market. Some of their top wines are aged for many years, allowing them to develop complexity and depth of flavor.

Flagship Wines:

• Viña Ardanza: One of the winery’s most famous and celebrated wines, Viña Ardanza is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, aged for several years in oak barrels before being bottled. It is known for its complexity, balance, and aging potential, with flavors of ripe red fruits, spices, and a hint of leather and tobacco.
• Viña Alberdi: This wine is made from Tempranillo and is known for its elegance and freshness. It is aged in oak for a shorter time than Viña Ardanza, resulting in a more fruit-forward style with soft tannins and vibrant acidity.
• Gran Reserva 904: One of the winery’s top-tier wines, the Gran Reserva 904 is a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano, aged for extended periods in oak and bottle. This wine is renowned for its depth, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, with layers of dark fruit, leather, spices, and a touch of oak.

The Wine Cellars:

• The winery’s cellars are a key feature of its operations. The underground cellars are where the wines undergo their long aging process, and the cool, humid environment is ideal for preserving the wines’ character and ensuring that they develop over time.
• The barrel room is especially impressive, filled with hundreds of oak barrels, each containing aging wines that will later be bottled and released to the market. The aging process in these barrels is central to the unique flavors and textures that define Bodega La Rioja Alta’s wines.

Tours and Wine Tasting:

• Visitors to Bodega La Rioja Alta can take guided tours of the winery, where they can explore the historic cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and see firsthand how the winery combines tradition with modern techniques. The tours often include a visit to the barrel room, where visitors can witness the aging process and sample the unique aromas of the wines maturing in oak barrels.
• The winery offers wine tastings where guests can sample a selection of the winery’s renowned wines, such as Viña Ardanza, Viña Alberdi, and Gran Reserva 904. Tastings often include a discussion of the wines’ profiles, aging potential, and the significance of their flavors and aromas.

Sustainability and Innovation:

• Bodega La Rioja Alta is also committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The winery has invested in modern technology to reduce its environmental impact, including energy-efficient systems and sustainable vineyard practices.
• The winery continuously seeks to improve its production processes while maintaining the quality and heritage that have made it one of the top wineries in Rioja.

Awards and Recognition:

• Bodega La Rioja Alta has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years, cementing its reputation as a leader in the Rioja wine industry. Its wines have received high ratings from critics and wine publications worldwide, and the winery is often recognized for its dedication to quality and tradition.
• Viña Ardanza, in particular, has been praised by wine experts for its exceptional quality and aging potential, making it a staple in the top ranks of Spanish wines.

The Experience in Haro:

• The town of Haro is considered the capital of Rioja wine country, and visiting Bodega La Rioja Alta provides an opportunity to explore the region’s rich winemaking history. The town is home to many other renowned wineries, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts.
• The winery is located near the historic center of Haro, where visitors can stroll through charming streets, visit traditional wine bars, and enjoy local gastronomy paired with Rioja wines.

Conclusion:

Bodega La Rioja Alta stands as a symbol of the history, tradition, and quality of Rioja wines. With its roots dating back over a century, the winery has established itself as one of the leading producers in the region, known for crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of La Rioja Alta. Its commitment to quality and tradition, paired with its focus on aging and oak barrels, makes it a must-visit destination for wine lovers and enthusiasts of Spanish winemaking. Whether you're tasting their iconic wines or exploring the historic cellars, a visit to Bodega La Rioja Alta is an unforgettable experience.