Remirez de Ganuza, an oenological paradise in La Rioja
The vineyards consist of more than eighty hectares of tempranillo, graciano, viura and malvasía. They are spread across six locations in the Sierra Cantabria: Samaniego, Leza, Elciego, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Laguardia and Ábalos, in La Rioja Alavesa. For their selection, factors such as habitat, microclimate, orientation of the plots, low productivity of the vines, and the age of the vineyard have been taken into account, with the average age of the vines being fifty years. This extensive land area allows them to be self-sufficient in high-quality grape supply.

Technical Details

Winery: Own Vineyards, at Bodegas Fernando Remírez de Ganuza, Samaniego (Rioja Alavesa).
D.O.Ca. La RiojaVintage: 2016
Alcohol content: 14%
Variety: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
Tasting notes: Very good layer of cherry red, very covered and bright.
On the nose: Intense, complex and elegant. Reminiscent of wild red fruits, dairy, jam, and fine mineral notes.
On the palate: Broad, with a fine, silky and persistent structure. Fine acidity that gives freshness to the wine.
Serving temperature: 16-18ºC
Elaboration: They are spread across six locations in the Sierra Cantabria: Samaniego, Leza, Elciego, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Laguardia and Ábalos.
Manual harvest in 12 kg boxes of grapes from vineyards aged between 25 and 40 years. Controlled temperature prior to fermentation in refrigeration chambers specially designed for this purpose for a period of 24 hours (4-6 degrees). Grape selection on table and separation of shoulders and tips. This wine is made from destemmed shoulders. Fermentation in small stainless steel tanks and 7000-liter French oak vats.
Pairing: at Made in Spain Gourmet we recommend it with red meats, stews, accompanying dishes with legumes (such as lentils, chickpeas or beans). As always, it is also essential with aged sheep or goat cheeses.
A traditional winery with avant-garde production
You will find Remírez de Ganuza in the center of Samaniego, a beautiful medieval village at the foot of the Sierra de Toloño. Of medieval origin, it still retains its appearance of a fortified village visible in many of its buildings, especially in the 16th century church of Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción, built next to one of the four towers that defended the village.
The Remirez de Ganuza winery, as mentioned before, is located in the center of Samaniego, Álava. It is formed by a block of buildings, old townhouses, composed of modern reinforced concrete structures covered with ancient stonework, thus integrating into the traditional local architecture.
Around a large central courtyard crossed by a natural water channel, the different buildings that structure the winery are dedicated to the different phases of wine production, such as the barrel area, the bottle racks, the cold chambers, or the selection area.
The traditional architecture of the winery, highlighted by the interior roof made of centuries-old oak beams, contrasts with one of the most avant-garde and innovative production methods of the moment.
La Rioja Alavesa: the elite of La Rioja winesLa Rioja Alavesa is classified as a subzone in the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin. It has 13,500 hectares of vineyards and several hundred wineries, resulting in an average annual production of around 40 million liters of wine.
The area especially produces red wines with specific general characteristics, such as a bright and vivid color, a fine aroma, a fruity flavor, and a pleasant palate. These characteristics are due to the clay-limestone soils of the area, which are excellent for vines to absorb the necessary moisture. The climate and location of the vineyards, behind the Sierra de Toloño, which protects the vineyards from cold northern winds and allows the vines to better take advantage of the heat,