Rioja Vega

Initially started as the dream of one man, Don Felipe Ugalde in 1882, this winery has seen ongoing growth and development over the years. Don’s aim was simple, to be one of the countries most prestigious Bodega’s. Although his winery passed down the family line, it was through marriage that it became united with Bodegas Muerza, hence losing its identity. Today it is owned by the group Principe de Viana who acquired it in 1983 providing investment in new equipment, staff and in 2001 a new winery, 10km outside Logrono, complete with an underground ageing cellar. The new cellars incorporated modern equipment such as self-weighing hoppers, pneumatic presses and self-emptying stainless steel vats. This level of development has allowed not only the fruit from their own vineyards to be processed but also that of surrounding contract growers so that it has been able to produce this range of great value for money wines.

Clean and fresh with delicate citrus notes on the nose and a palate packed with green apple, orange peel and lime flavours. Its a simple wine at first, but there is definite complexity - perfect for the BBQ or the white clothed dining table.

You can't go wrong with grilled chicken breast with a piri-piri dressing.

From low yielding vines that ripen slowly on the cool Galician coast, the ripe grapes are harvested toward the end of September by hand, and then pressed at the winery, with the juice being immediately transferred to steel thermo-jacketed tanks where it is chilled for 2 days to release any solids. the juice is then fermented in tank at a cool 20 degrees for around 23 days, with constant checks on the acidity and PH to ensure the vibrancy and crispness of the wine is retained. Once fermentation is over the wine is settled on the lees in a new tank for a short time before filtering and then bottling.