Bodegas Amaren, 60 Tempranillo, DOCa Rioja, Spain, 2021

Producer Profile

Jon Cañas (Luis Cañas’ grandson) is the imaginative winemaker behind Bodegas Amaren, having been given free rein to explore the character of Alavesa’s vineyards.

Jon aims to create a raw, modern interpretation of Rioja Alavesa by employing native yeasts for his ferments, and experimenting with concrete vessels and lees ageing to achieve expressive wines that are respectful of the ancient grape varieties he works with. The hierarchy of the Amaren range ignores the traditional classification of Rioja wines (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva) and instead puts ‘Rioja Alavesa’ at the forefront of the label, thereby emphasizing the importance of place.

Viticulture

Tiny plots of very old vines (at least 60 years old), planted around Samaniego and no more than 2.5 km from the winery, where the Atlantic-influenced climate, clay-limestone soils, and sustainable viticulture yield a limited number of small-sized clusters and berries with exceptional characteristics. This wine is not made every year, as the grapes must meet optimal conditions, and the resulting wines must reach the quality and character required by the winery.

Winemaking

Manual harvest in boxes, followed by a double sorting table for both bunches and individual berries. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in French oak vats. Once malolactic fermentation is complete and a good mouthfeel has been achieved, the wines are aged in French and American oak barrels, as well as in concrete tanks.

Tasting Note

Deep cherry red. Bright and intense, with violet hues that indicate its aging potential and remarkable ability to retain its youthful character over time. Intense and complex. As the wine opens in the glass, it reveals blackberry, sour cherry, cherry, plum, blueberry, along with menthol and balsamic notes from maceration that bring freshness. Accents of pepper, clove, underbrush, cedar… all resting on a mineral and clay backdrop that boldly showcases the unique character and typicity of these old vines. Elegant on the palate, silky, and velvety on entry, with great structure. A powerful tannin, tamed through long aging, is perfectly balanced by high acidity, leading to a long, persistent finish. The fruit is seamlessly integrated with the oak, resulting in a harmonious, fruit-forward finish, refined further by bottle aging.

Food Matching

Flavourful dishes like roasted lamb, tagines, and steak. It also complements cured meats, slow-braised dishes, and even spicy foods.