Wines: La Rioja
Vina Izadi may not be a household name, but when it comes to quality, they showcase some of the best wines from the Rioja Alavesa region in Spain. Their journey started in the viticulture business by Gonzalo Antón who gathered a group of friends and companies to establish Bodegas Izadi in the heart of Rioja Alavesa in 1987.
Since then, the Antons have been the face of Izadi and their passion shines through with every bottle they make. This passion grew in 2000 when Lalo Antón, the son of Gonzalo Antón, expanded the company and added three other brands—Finca Villacreces (D.O. Ribera del Duero), Bodegas Vetus (D.O. Toro y D.O. Rueda) and Orben (D.O.Ca. Rioja) under the umbrella group Artevino.
The bodegas source their fruit from 178 hectares of vines, many of which are 50 years old, from the villages of Villabuena, Samaniego and Abalos. The winery focuses on many varieties including Mazuelo, Garnacha, Graciano, Malvasia, Tempranillo and Viura. If you make it to Spain, I highly suggest visiting these Bodegas that sit in this rugged countryside of La Rioja. Most surprisingly, you’ll enjoy the new style of wines that are emerging from this region, which are fresh and vibrant.
La Rioja wine region, Spain. Map credit: Ipowines.com
The rugged landscape and poor soils are home to the bush-pruned vineyards (above).
Izadi’s triangle, where the grapes are grown (below).
Flowering clusters
The latest project from the Artevino Group is Orben, with its vineyards located exclusively in the Rioja Alavesa region. The wines are high in acidity and deeply complex. Many of the vines are old, planted in limestone and clay soils that sit in high altitude vineyards.
Vina Izadi aims to produce wines that express the character of the local varieties. They are developing fresh wines with lots of character. The ’12 Rioja Bianco is a blend of Viura and Malvasia which is expressive and playful–a simply wonderful wine.
Izadi El Regalo is primarily Tempranillo with a touch of Garnacha, Graciano and Mazueloa. Its beautifully made, very much structurally sound and entices you to come back for more. Its a perfect wine to pair with the local lamb and roasted peppers. What a treat!
One word describes the Orben Malpuesto. Magical. Its plush and ripe with sweet spices and a touch of minerality, certain to become your new favorite. Buy a few bottles and cellar for future enjoyment.
And of course a Rioja tasting wouldn’t be complete without a relaxing afternoon lunch. Lamb is a specialty of the region and it pairs stupendously with the local red wines of La Rioja.
Vina Izadi’s kitchen
Pit where the lamb is grilled
Lamb, roasted peppers and purple potatoes compliment the wonderful wines of La Rioja.
I hope I have enticed you to visit this great region where deeply rooted traditions mingles with modern trends, extending the soul of what La Rioja has to offer.
A big thanks goes out to Vina Izadi, Wines of Rioja and the Artevino group for hosting this fabulous event.
*When visiting the region, call ahead for an appointment as many of the bodegas are not open to the public.
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