Bodegas Riojanas S.A
Short description

In 1889, the Gold Medal obtained by a Bodegas Riojanas wine at the Universal Exposition of Barcelona prompted the Frías-Artacho families to build their Cenicero winery, which was inaugurated in 1890. This marked the beginning of a winemaking saga which has preserved all of its essence over the years, making Bodegas Riojanas one of the eight wineries in La Rioja that date back over a century.

The Frías Artacho family has transmitted its great passion for growing grapes and ageing wines from one generation to the next. It is deeply committed to quality and upholding the unmistakable personality of such emblematic brands as Monte Real and Viña Albina, which the Bodegas Riojanas team consider their most precious heritage.

Passion for viticulture and sustainable respect for nature have been at the heart of Bodegas Riojanas’ philosophy since its foundation. Their commitment to the quality of their wines has always been based on the conviction that only a sustainable activity that preserves their vineyards and the environment as well as the wellbeing and development of their community, is the guarantee for their own future preservation. As a result of this strategy, Bodegas Riojanas receives the certification “Wineries for Climate Protection,” a seal for the outstanding work on the four pillars on which the Wineries for Climate Protection certification is based: the reduction of the carbon footprint, energy efficiency, efficient water management and waste reduction.

Another key factor has been the satisfaction of their customers’ needs and tastes, to which Bodegas Riojanas has adapted with the changing times, thanks to their dynamic impulse. They still do today, for instance, with their new Monte Real Vanguardia range, in addition to original wines from the main denomination of origin where the group has estates: The Viore wines from Rueda and Bierzo, the Peñamonte from Toro, Veiga Naúm Albariño from Rías Baixas, Alacer in Ribera del Duero and Gargalo in Monterrei.

The stabilizing factor in a history of constant change has been the family of owners Frías-Artacho. Santiago Frías has overseen the company since 2009. He is assisted as technical director by the expert Winemaker Emilio Sojo, also a member of the founding family. Under his management, Bodegas Riojanas was chosen BEST WINERY OF THE YEAR MAGNIFICENT AWARDS GUÍA VIVIR EL VINO 2022. Furthermore, Sojo is named BEST RIOJA WINEMAKER by The Drinks Business Magazine's "Master Winemaker Top 100" guide which shortlists the world's best 100 winemakers.

Stand Location: 44
Specialist Areas (list top three maximum): Wines from North West Spain
Telephone: 07816322599

Bodegas Riojanas S.A Catalogue

Penamonte Verdejo

Single-varietal 100% Verdejo, 100% Toro D.O. Grapes exclusively from Toresanos vineyards, between 10 and 15 years old, located on gently undulating terrain, very gentle slopes, at altitudes of between 650 and 735 m. Worked with the greatest respect for the environment. Hand picking begins by selecting the parcels to ensure that the grapes arrive at the winery with a natural balance of acidity and alcohol. In this way we are able to extract all of the fruity flavours during fermentation. After harvesting at dawn the grapes are destemmed and fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at a low temperature so that all the fruity yeast strains work in optimal conditions to obtain the maximum varietal aromatic expression. This wine's authenticity comes from the terroir, from the fresh fruit in harmony with herbal hints, characteristic of the vineyards’ setting. Straw yellow colour with greenish hues, clean and bright. Its density in the glass is clearly visible, together with its unctuous tears. Of medium intensity, notes of tropical fruits prevail, combining harmoniously with the scrubland aromas. Its mid-palate is lively, aromatic, with zesty acidity and a silky mouthfeel. Gluten Free. Contains sulphites

Product Number: 1
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2022
Region / Appellation: Toro
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: White
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £9.49-12.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Penamonte Tinto Roble

100% heart of Toro D.O. Red wine made entirely with Tinta de Toro, (Tempranillo) one of our indigenous varieties with most potential. Old vineyards more than 30 years old that are the hallmark of the Toro municipality, set in an unique natural environment. The terrain is sandy clay and pebbly, providing perfect anchorage for the vines. An extreme climate with scarce rainfall allows minimal application of phytosanitary treatments, thus guaranteeing the high quality of this red wine. The parcels to be harvested are identified according to soil type, altitude, vegetative development and degree of maturation. Harvesting is carried out by hand in small trailers, early in the morning to avoid the hot midday temperatures, during the first fortnight of October. Classic winemaking with destemmed and crushed grapes, strict control of fermentation and maceration seeking a traditional wine without manipulations, highlighting its distinguishing characteristics, but at the same time a wine with a modern profile, to suit today's tastes. Short period of five months in new American oak barrels to acquire colour finesse, complexity in the nose and smoothness on the palate. Tinta de Toro reflects its natural environment in this opulent wine of an intense red colour with violet rim. In the nose it reveals deep tones, with more hints of black fruit over delicate wood notes. Mouth-filling spicy flavours, with raspberry and black berry notes. Its fleshiness and elegance makes this an authentic, genuine wine that reveals the authenticity of the Toro vineyards. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 2
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2021
Region / Appellation: Toro
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: Red
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £9.99-13.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Viore Mencia

100% Mencía from D.O. Bierzo. Also known as the “Spanish Bourgogne”. Small plots of 2,000 square meters each (0.50 acres) located at 600-800 meters above the sea level, mostly oriented towards the morning sun. The climate is continental with great influence from the Atlantic Ocean, with the protection of the “Sierra de los Ancares”, a natural barrier against the storms from the Atlantic. These plots are based on slightly acidic soils with two types of textures: Slate on a sandy layer and clayey loamy soils. This combination of soils enhances varietal expression. The viticulture is regenerative, specifying we keep the levels of organic matter, preserve the structure and balance of the soil, promote functional biodiversity and ensure the least phytosanitary intervention possible. The yields are low in order to guarantee the highest quality of the fruit. Mencía is a native grape variety from Bierzo which buds in early April with a short vegetative cycle, normally ending in early September if the average temperature is mild. It has a regular ripening period depending on terroir and climate differences. The ripening favors a gradual harvest which allows for the proper control over the health of the berries, age, ripeness levels and the correct evolution of acidity. The berries are medium-sized and blueish-black color which makes specific plot selection necessary in order to respect the authenticity of the land and to obtain the truest expression of the primary fruit and floral aromas. The harvest is manual. The bunches are destemmed and the grapes are slightly crushed prior to fermentation in stainless-steel tanks provided with the most modern techniques in terms of temperature control, pump-over (“remontage”) and maceration. Intense cherry-red color with violet reflexes. The aromas transport our senses to the landscapes of the Bierzo region. It is a powerful fragrance of strawberries, cherries and wild black fruits on a background of blackberries and jam. This ensemble of aromas is accompanied by original nuances of minerality and completed with hints of flowers. As it develops on the palate, this wine flows in perfect harmony. It is elegant, ample, long and deep and it has a perfect volume. Terroir-driven, the flavors of fruit emerge again strongly, blackcurrants and sweet cherries with a subtle acidity. The final impression is of subtle, long and persistent flavors with touches of licorice and minerals. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 3
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2021
Region / Appellation: Bierzo
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: Red
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £10.99-15.49
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Alacer Roble

A high-altitude 100% Tempranillo red Roble wine which “defies the limits” in order to convey the pure essence of the Ribera de Duero terroir. This wine expresses the character of this terroir with honesty and elegance . “Las Ontanillas”, a high-altitude 40 year old bush vineyard located in Santa Cruz de Salceda at 904 metres above the sea level in calcareous clay soils. The art of high-altitude viticulture is properly managing the extreme weather. The long winters and high temperatures in the summer, with possible risk of insolation, favours a slow ripening with optimal level of acidity which results in excellent grapes. Another benefit from altitude is that it helps mitigate the effects of climate change, preserving the freshness of the fruit. The year 2020 stood out with a very wet winter, allowing the vegetative cycle to develop with excellent balance and homogeneity, however there was no risk of frost. Thanks to the altitude, the ripening cycle of small and loose bunches was delayed until the end of September, favouring freshness. The harvest is carried out by hand in small boxes, after an exhaustive selection in the vineyard. When the grapes arrive at the winery, they immediately undergo a strict selection on the sorting table. The winery is gravity fed: the grapes are transferred to the tanks by 1,000-kilogram OVIS without the use of pumps or pipes that could damage the integrity of the berries. For the fermentation and maceration of the grapes, very wide 15,000-litre tanks are utilized in order to increase the contact surface between the must and the skins, thus optimizing the extraction of aromatic and colour components. It is then aged for 4 months in small French-oak barrels. Powerful cherry-red colour. The fruit character of blackberries and blueberries dominates over the aromas of liquorice and spices from the barrel ageing. The brief ageing in oak barrels adds structure and balance which become evident on the palate, while the fresh varietal character prevails. Its delicate acidity, combined with soft and round tannins result in an excellent final persistence with hints of candied red fruit and vanilla and toffee nuances. Contains sulphites. Suitable for Vegans.

Product Number: 4
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2021
Region / Appellation: Ribera del Duero
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: Red
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £12.49-17.49
Is this wine new to the UK?: Yes
Viore Verdejo

Wine made with the best Verdejo grapes from our Rueda and La Seca vineyards. "Las Amapolas" vineyard, over 20 years old and located in Rueda. Espalier-trained vines on sand-clay soil. "Los Batanes" vineyard, over 20 years old and located in La Seca. Espalier-trained vines on sand-clay soil , very pebbly surface (gravel). We use sustainable winegrowing techniques with minimal use of phytosanitary products to respect the vineyard biodiversity and ecosystem. Night harvesting when the temperature is cool. Part of the grapes are harvested early to increase aromatic intensity and the rest later on, seeking to endow the wine with good structure and complexity on the palate. Light cold maceration at 8ºC Low pressure pressing and static debourbage at low temperature. Only the very highest quality free-run juice is used to make Viore Verdejo. Very slow fermentation at a controlled temperature of 15º in stainless steel vats. Maturing on fine lees for a period of 2-3 months. Pale straw yellow with bright greenish hues. Fragrant and, at the same time, clean, a powerful olfactory combination revealing the presence of tropical fruits, stone fruits and citrus notes with subtle reminiscences of the Rueda landscape. Viore Verdejo bursts with flavour upon contact with the mouth, it here where it begins to stand out as quite different, with green notes and tropical fruits coming to the fore, a blend of freshness and warmth, with the unmistakable hallmark of the Verdejo variety. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 5
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2022
Region / Appellation: Rueda
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: White
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £9.99-14.49
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Viore Organic Verdejo

Viore 100% Organic Verdejo is our first wine aimed at the rapidly growing segment of consumers who are looking for healthy, natural products which are also sustainable with the environment. The “Lavajo Redondo” vineyard in Rueda is certified as organic and naturally encourages the fruit to express a more intense and lively character. This terroir is a combination of unique soil composition comprised of loosely compacted sandy loam soils with a high content of organic matter that enhances biodiversity , as well as a continental micro climate that enhances a pure varietal expression of the verdejo grape. The viticulture for this wine is entirely organic. We do not apply herbicides or chemical pesticides, with the aim of safeguarding the balance of the landscape. The harvest time is determined according to the freshness and intensity of terror expression in the fruit. It is carried out at night with cool temperatures. A single-varietal wine, utilizing light-cold maceration at 8ºC. Light pressing and static settling at low temperature. Slow and controlled fermentation at 15ºC in stainless steel tanks. Minimal use of sulphites. Straw-yellow colour with greenish reflexes, clean and bright. Very deep, elegant notes of fruit wrapped in an aromatic symphony of citrus and herbaceous notes such as fennel and bay leaf. On the palate, it is naturally fresh, versatile, medium enveloping body, silky and with a persistent finish. Its balanced acidity on the palate gives way to fruit flavours, lemon peel and a touch of anisette fennel. There is a marked contrast between the warmth of the varietal character, with the freshness provided by the continental climate. Gluten Free. Suitable for vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 6
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2022
Region / Appellation: Rueda
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: White
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £10.99=14.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: Yes
Viore Verdejo Sobre Liasd

From the very beginnings of our project in Rueda, we wanted to make a unique wine that would combine the identity of the Rueda landscape with the expressive and unique character of the Verdejo variety, for which finding the vineyard that would meet our high demands for quality and character was essential. After several years of research, we found the right vineyard, “Los Tordos” plot located in Rueda. A two-hectare vineyard on top of a hillside, at an altitude of 770 meters above the sea level. The soil is poor and less fertile which naturally reduces the yielding of the vineyard. Its clay-calcareous composition with abundant pebbles on the surface adds mineral nuances to the final wine. The vineyard is flanked by pine tree forests with a great variety of aromatic herbs and wild flowers that adding a balsamic character to the final wine. Harvest is done at dawn, taking advantage of the cool morning temperatures. The harvest starts later than usual which provides more alcoholic graduation and helps enhance the intensity of flavours reinforcing the unctuous character provided by the lees and the complexity added by oak barrel aging. Controlled fermentation in small 10,000-liter tanks. Once the fermentation is finished, part of the wine remains on its fine lees for 7 months with regular stirring and another part matures in new 500-liter French oak barrels for 5 months. This winemaking combination increases the complexity and quality of the wine. “Viore Verdejo Sobre Lías (“on its fine lees”) is a deep, unctuous and very complex wine. A glass of Viore Verdejo Sobre Lías is pure Verdejo of the highest quality possible. Long and intense, displaying the true personality of the Verdejo, expressing its origin, complemented with extraordinary nuances. Its intense and elegant fragrance of citrus, candied orange peel, flowers, mineral notes, and a balsamic background of fennel and aromatic herbs reminds of the limestone “Los Tordos” vineyard flanked with pine-tree forests. The ageing on lees provides excellent volume and intensity on the palate with creamy fruit, good acidity and minerality that ensure a long and very lively finish. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 7
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2022
Region / Appellation: Rueda
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: White
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £13.48-18.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Vega Naum Albarino

100% Albariño. Rías Baixas D.O. The force of delicacy. Small parcels of exclusively Albariño vines spread out along the Salnés Valley on the gentle slopes of its soft hills, sheltered from the sea. Traditional two-metre high pergola vine training, mainly west-facing towards the Atlantic Ocean. Integrated viticulture aimed at enhancing the natural heritage and biodiversity. Hand-harvested in 20-kilogram crates. An initial quality selection is carried out on the estate where any clusters that do not meet the necessary quality characteristics are discarded. The clusters are transported to the winery quickly and delicately. On the sorting tables any that are not healthy and clean or that fail the visual quality control are discarded. Following this process careful pneumatic pressing is carried out. Directed alcoholic fermentation in small stainless steel tanks at low temperature. Pale yellow colour, crystalline. In the nose there is an explosion of floral aromas: jasmine, white flowers and orange blossom delicately enveloping a collection of fruity aromas, apricot, ripe citrus fruits and apple. In retronasal olfaction there is a salty touch. Velvety in the mouth, vibrant, nervy, fresh, it transports the senses, conjuring up the landscapes of the Salnés valley. Creamy mid-palate, well-structured, an explosion of fruity flavours of apple, stone fruits, full of inspiring nuances. Full-flavoured, lingering aftertaste, very varietal, with a long, concentrated finish. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites

Product Number: 8
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2022
Region / Appellation: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: White
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £13.49-18.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Monte Real Barrel Fermented White

Monte Real Blanco Fermentado en Barrica (barrel-fermented) is a complex, subtle, very elegant wine made from a careful selection of 80% Viura and 20% Malvasía grapes. Locations in Cenicero: “El Monte”, “El Plantizo”,“Paletones” and “Agudillo”. Over 40-year-old vineyards. Gobelet-trained vines. Altitude 450 metres above sea level. Production between 3,000 and 4,000 kilos/hectare. Very stony, calcareous clay soil. Sustainable viticulture with minimal use of phytosanitary products. Grapes are hand-picked at early dawn to avoid pre-fermentation oxidation. After destemming, crushing and pressing the grapes, the must obtained is transferred to light toast American oak barrels where it ferments and the yeasts involved in barrel fermentation remain. Daily bâttonage of barrel bottom so that the yeast remains suspended in the wine and gradually yields all the aromatic and creamy components of the yeast over a period of 5 months. Attractive pale yellow colour with greenish highlights, very bright. Subtle, complex nose of tropical fruit, banana and white fruit notes, in perfect harmony with hints of spices, vanilla, pepper and clove. Silky, well-structured mouthfeel with a refreshing touch of acidity that combines with the suggestive background of flavours from the ageing on its lees in the barrel, toffee, toasted bread and coffee grains. Aromas on the back of the nose have clear reminiscences of toffee. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites

Product Number: 9
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2022
Region / Appellation: Rioja
Country: United Kingdom
Wine Colour: White
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £10.49-14.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Monte Real Crianza

100% Tempranillo red wine with a modern profile and traditional origin that pays tribute to the vineyards of Cenicero (Rioja Alta). Parcels of over 20 years of age situated at 430 metres to 630 metres above sea level, in different ecosystems of the "El Monte" estate, enhancing biodiversity. The climatic conditions afford great variations between day and night temperatures; rainfall is well spread out throughout the cycle and luminosity is plentiful. We use sustainable viticulture techniques with minimal application of phytosanitary products. The French influence of our 130 years of history is clear in the layout of the parcels that cluster around the Cenicero winery within a radio of 4 kilometres which facilitates zonal harvesting and expedites transportation to ensure the maximum varietal expression of the Tempranillo grapes. Winemaking, carried out in stainless steel vats, is based on selecting the grapes in the field and a fermentation process that seeks to enhance our selection of native yeasts, which is one of the differentiating characteristics of Bodegas Riojanas. Ageing for 12 months in new American and French oak barrels, maturing in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months before marketing. A red wine with a modern profile and a traditional origin that pays tribute to the Cenicero vineyards. Deep cherry red with violet hues. High aromatic intensity in the nose resulting in a clear expression of fresh red fruits, berries and liquorice. Flavours of red fruits and berries on the palate, together with spicy and smoky tones; subtle, enveloping and fresh. Mouthfeel sensations revealing the excellent combination of the wood without concealing the Tempranillo varietal characteristics. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 10
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2019
Region / Appellation: Rioja
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: Red
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £12.49-17.49
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Vina Albina Crianza

Tempranillo (80%), Mazuelo (15%) Graciano (5%), a tribute to the multifaceted identity of Rioja Alta. Its origin is tied to the estate vineyards “Viña Albina”, “El Cerrado” and “la Borda”, vines that are over 35 years old, grown to produce the Mazuelo grape in the municipality of Cenicero. “ El Monte”, “Pinillas” and “Agudillo” are vineyards that are more than 20 years old, located in the municipality of Cenicero, where the variety grown is Graciano. The Tempranillo comes to us from our Cenicero suppliers, San Vicente, Abalos, Manjarrés, Peciña and San Asensio. Given the wide range of ecosystems, Bodegas Riojanas has generated a supplier interaction system that provides assessment and training, which means that Tempranillo is grown in line with winegrowing practices and digital tools with more sustainable, eco-friendly techniques to guarantee biodiversity and thus the maximum varietal expression. Each parcel, supplier, municipality and variety undergoes personalised monitoring and the technical director carries out tastings to organise the staggered entry of grapes, allowing harvesting to be carried out when the grapes are at their optimal peak of ripeness or acidity. Grapes are destemmed upon arrival at the winery. Directed fermentation enhances the selection of the "native yeasts", identified in our vineyards. Ageing is in new medium toast American oak barrels for a period of 18 months. Bright cherry red with subtle cherry rim In the nose its varietal character invites you to take a walk through the Rioja Alta vineyards, with notes of fresh red berries, violets and black pepper. In the mouth its languid silkiness explodes into black liquorice and fresh fruit. Vibrant acidity, structured mid-palate with roasted and vanilla flavours. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 11
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2019
Region / Appellation: Rioja
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: Red
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £11.49-16.49
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Monte Real Tempranillo Blanco

The Tempranillo Blanco is a native varietal born by chance in Rioja in 1988 from a mutation of the Red Tempranillo. The new grape variety had such promising potential, that several of our winegrowers decided to grow it. For about 10 years, we have worked jointly with them, monitoring the evolution of these plots until we considered that the fruit had the ideal quality to launch a wine under the Monte Real brand. We chose two special vineyards: "Los Campillos" in Cenicero and "Camino Arenzana" in Tricio, both in Rioja Alta. The 10-year-old “Los Campillos” is located at 480 meters above the sea level and gives a floral and spicy character to the wine, while the plot located in Tricio at 600 meters above the sea level adds very fresh fruit aromas. The characteristics of the Tempranillo Blanco from both plots make a complex, elegant and high-quality white wine. At Bodegas Riojanas, we encourage sustainable viticulture with minimal phytosanitary intervention in dry land. We avoid the use of insecticides, herbicides or pesticides in order to respect the biodiversity of the flora and the conservation of the fauna on the vineyards. We used 15 kilo-boxes for hand harvesting in the mornings to avoid high temperatures and reduce transport time that the grapes spend to get to the cellar from the vineyard after harvest. Maximum selection of the bunches at their entrance to the winery through a selection table allowed us to choose not only the bunches, but the best berries. The alcoholic fermentation was carried out in 10,000-liter stainless steel tanks using selected natural yeasts from these two vineyards, with the aim of highlighting soil characteristics from each of the plots. Aged for 3 months in 225-liter French oak barrels with a light toast in order to provide a more complex character and a creamy finish with greater volume on the palate, while highlighting the fruit. Fresh, complex and expressive white wine with volume and structure on the palate. Slightly golden yellow in color. On the nose, tropical fruits such as pineapple and other citrus fruits such as grapefruit dominate, with small floral touches on a slightly spicy background contributed by the ageing in barrels. On the palate it is fresh and unctuous, with a great fruit character, complemented by hints of spices and a good volume which adds length and persistence. This wine is a true discovery in constant evolution that will surprise palates longing for complex and unique white wine. Gluten Free. Suitable for vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 12
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2022
Region / Appellation: Rioja
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: White
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £13.49-18.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: Yes
Monte Real Gran Reserva

100% Tempranillo from the heart of Cenicero in Rioja Alta. Due to the optimal agro-ecological conditions of the location of the "El Monte" estate vineyard it has been chosen to make our Monte Real Gran Reserva. Our own parcels of gobelet-trained vines, located at 430 metres to 530 metres above sea level. The banks of the Ebro river cause the wide variation in seasonal temperatures; rainfall is well spread out throughout the cycle and there is plenty of luminosity. Integrated winegrowing that respects the biodiversity of the flora and the preservation of the entomological fauna of the vineyards. The privileged setting of the winery means that the "winegrowing oasis" is located within a radio of 4 km, facilitating transportation and processing. In the field, zonal selection is carried out for each parcel, and only the grapes that meet winegrowing potential are harvested. When grape ripening extends to the end of October the result is an aromatic frame, as broad as it is complex, endowing the must with endless depth. Meticulous work in the classic winemaking process and the important involvement of the oenologist are key factors in obtaining this wine. Ageing for 36 months in 50% French oak and 50% American oak barrels (new for the first year) followed by refining in the bottle for a minimum of 24 months before being put on the market. Monte Real Gran Reserva embodies the local expression of the Tempranillo variety, intense cherry red, good robe, with subtle reddish-orange rim. Direct nose with the expression of infused fruit, blackberries, blackcurrants, macerated plums, opening up to an explosion of black pepper, and clove, aerating over time to give way to fine toasted aromas, vanilla, pure black chocolate notes and slight resinous touches. Juicy in the mouth, smooth palate, fine, its mid-palate is slightly creamy, complemented by liqueur-like notes of blackcurrants, sweet spices, liquorice, its passage reveals firm tannins and notable acidity, very pleasant spicy and anise-like notes accompanied by juiciness and a powerful character. Elegant, delicate finish marked by its acidity supporting its body, keeping it agile and lively to the end. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 13
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2016
Region / Appellation: Rioja
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: Red
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £19.99-26.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
Vina Albina Gran Reserva

80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano, the expression of the terroir. The Tempranillo grapes come from vineyards located at high altitudes of between 550 and 700 metres in the most emblematic municipalities of Rioja Alta: Cenicero, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Peciña, Abalos, Briones, Rodezno and Ventosa. These are low production vineyards with a minimum average age of 35 years and calcareous clay soils of clay loam texture. The Mazuelo grapes come from our estate-owned vineyard “El Cerrado” in Cenicero with calcareous clay soils, over 30 years old and located at an altitude of 450 metres. The Graciano grapes come from our "El Monte" estate in Cenicero. Calcareous clay soil, 25 years old, altitude 450 metres. Sustainable viticulture with minimal use of phytosanitary products. No insecticides, pesticides or herbicides are used to preserve the agro-ecology of the different locations. The zonal selection system classes each parcel seeking the potential of the grapes. A second classification within each parcel allows us to identify areas and variabilities in grapes mainly caused by changes in edaphological composition. The third selection is made through grape tastings. With all of these data the grapes are then hand picked by zones in a process in which the terroir and the variety are the true protagonists. Traditional winemaking, grapes are destemmed followed by gentle crushing. Our highly personalised selection of yeasts allows us to successfully complete alcoholic fermentation. Ageing is in medium toast American oak barrels for 36 months. The wine remains in the bottle for a minimum of 2 years before it is put on the market. Ruby red colour with subtle reddish-orange hues. In the nose its "calling card" is its fresh, attractive notes of sour cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry, which give way to the true identity, personality and character of Viña Albina making it unique and differentiating it from the rest: its floral notes from the landscapes of the different terroirs (violet leaves, rose, lilac), finishing with the crowning touch of woody notes (nutmeg, cinnamon, pink pepper). The mid-palate leaves a powerful and enticing impression. The full flavour and freshness of the cherries, strawberries and raspberries progress towards warm, deep hints of dry tobacco leaves, coconut and black chocolate. Gluten Free. Suitable for Vegans. Contains sulphites.

Product Number: 14
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: 2016
Region / Appellation: Rioja
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: Red
Wine Style: Still
RRP Bottle Price (£): £18.49-25.99
Is this wine new to the UK?: No
CVM Laude

Cava Brut Nature Reserva Organic and suitable for Vegans. Xarello 40%. Macabeo 30%. Parellada 30% The grapes come from the Alt Penedès region in Catalonia. First fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 16-18 °C. Second fermentation in the bottle following traditional methods. Average ageing of 24 months in the bottle. Pale yellow with green hues, small bubbles and a white bubble ring. Traditional aromas of ripe green apples, pears and pineapples., with additional hints of almond notes. Ample and polished on the palate. Very dry. Long aftertaste with touches of brioche and almonds with an ageing bouquet; persistent and unique in its class. Contains Sulphites

Product Number: 15
Wine Producer: Bodegas Riojanas Grupo
Vintage: n/a
Region / Appellation: Cava
Country: Spain
Wine Colour: White
Wine Style: Sparkling
RRP Bottle Price (£): £13,49-18.49
Is this wine new to the UK?: Yes