Bodegas Amaren, Blanco Barrel Fermented, DOCa Rioja, Spain, 2022

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

Vines average more Than 60 years in age and are situated around 545 meters above sea level. The plots are located locally around the winery – Samaniego and the north of Villabuena de Álava and Leza and consist of chalky soils poor in organic matter. Clusters and berries are small, with high concentration and plenty of nuances.

Winemaking

Manually harvested, grapes are selected on a double sorting table (first clusters and then berries). Only intact berries are selected. Alcoholic fermentation is conducted in 225 and 500 litre French oak barrels, whereas a small batch ferments in a concrete egg. The wine is aged in a combination of mostly new French oak barrels and concrete for an additional 10 months with regular battonage.

Tasting Note

Pleasant chalky notes on the nose that showcase the clay-calcareous terroir along with additional complexity thanks to the wood fermetation. Tremendously fresh thanks to the acidity that the combination of the diffrent white varieties provide. This continues on the palate with stone fruit with citrus notes and tropical flavours accompanied with an enjoyable enveloping unctuous mouthfeel that shows the labour- intensive stirring of the lees. Very long finish with saline hints that perfectly match the chalky-clay soils of the Leza.

Food Matching

Pasta, rice dishes, white meats with light sauces, roasted or grilled fish, seafood, roasted vegetables, foie-gras.

Awards