Vina Ijalba Rioja Reserva

Sublime blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Graciano that is aged in American and French oak barrels for 18 months, and then a further 15 months in bottle. It just sings quality Rioja with complex leather and spice aromas, rich and nutty, figgy palate and a long, dry finish. Liquorice and balsamic notes with an elegant kiss of creamy oak. The Tempranillo gives the classic strawberry and raspberry fruit flavours, while the Graciano adds the spice and freshness.

• 92 Points – Guia Penin 2019 (2015 vintage)

Dionisio Ruiz planted his first vines back in 1975 with vineyards located on a former old open-cast mine. The revival of these once production poor soils into healthy, organic soils forms the backbone of the Viña Ijalba estate today. Viña Ijalba was the first winery in Rioja to commit to organic production. Not only that, they’ve also revived the land for growing indigenous and now rare Riojan varietals, like Maturana Blanca, Maturana Tinta and Tempranillo Blanco. They lay claim to being the first winery in Rioja to produce a wine made exclusively of 100% Graciano, which is traditionally used as a blending partner with the celebrated variety of the region, Tempranillo. Located just a five minutes drive from the capital of Rioja, Logroño they produce a far reaching range of wines from the young, fresh and fruity Joven styles to the more traditional aged wines of Crianza and Reserva. Both Crianza and Reserva wines must spend a minimum of one year in barrel, with Reserva having a minimum ageing requirement between oak and bottle of three years before release. 70% of their grapes are harvested by hand. Not only has Viña Ijalba managed to fully revive a former open-cast mine for organic winemaking, but they’re revival of almost forgotten local varietals that bring a distinctive element to their wines has also been quite impressive.

Location