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.

A bright, fruit driven Rioja with notes of cherry and cassis and a soft vanilla edge from the oak. Smooth, soft and fruit driven.

A big wine like this can handle big meaty flavours. Lovely with lamb cutlets with salsa verde and new potatoes.

100% Tempranillo, the grapes are mainly machine harvested with some handpicking in certain key vineyards. The grapes are crushed and fermented on skins , separately in a mixture of steel tanks and concrete vats to ensure the winemakers have a complete palate and wide range of flavours, textures, acidity and alcohol. After fermenting the wine is blended, then the whole harvest transferred small American oak casks, the majority 2 , 3 and 4 year old, for around 8-12 months depending on the harvest. The wine is then bottled after racking and the wine further ages for a minimum of 12 months in bottle prior to release

Gold Medal - The Drinks Business Rioja Masters, 2022. Decanter 2022, 90 points.