THE VINEYARD: The vines are not eternal. In order to have old vines in the future, we decided in 2001 to plant a vineyard in the south-eastern part of Briones, on a hillside with clay-limestone soils known as El Rincón. In addition, we operate three other small vineyards of the same age, also planted in Briones. Until these vines reach a sufficient age to be part of our reserves, we will use their grapes to make our Viñas Jóvenes.
GRAPES: El Rincón is planted mainly with Tempranillo, in a trellis. In addition, we have a plot of Graciano in the part most exposed to the sun. Of the other three vineyards, two are Tempranillo and one is Garnacha.
THE YEAR: 2020 was a complicated vintage, with a very rainy spring and early attacks of powdery mildew and especially mildew, which mainly affected the vineyards near the Ebro in Rioja Alta and Alavesa. After a stormy start, the summer was hot and dry. Shortly before the start of the harvest, a squall blew and even left snow on the mountains of La Rioja (we will always remember the images of the harvest with snow on the peaks). The rains were good for the vines and the grapes arrived very healthy, with good concentration, very low alcohol content, slightly low acidity and no greenness.
VINIFICATION: The grapes are harvested by hand in 15 kg boxes and checked at the sorting table. Fermentation takes place in small stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. As always in our cellar, we favor elegance over power.
AGEING: Resting for 12 months in second-use barrels, which have already contained our Reserva, made with American oak staves and French oak lids. Refilling barrels every six weeks to minimize oxidation. Bottling ends at least 12 months before the sale.
BOTTLING: 16 bottles and 500 magnums of our Viñas Jóvenes 503.