BODEGAS LUIS CAÑAS, Spain

Comprised of some of the region’s best and highest altitude vineyards, the soil in this area is poor and produces small bunches, perfect for making highly concentrated Rioja wines. Vineyards are split into hundreds of individual plots, planted with gnarly old bush vines on chalky-clay soils, sheltered under the magnificent Sierra de Cantabria range. Rioja Alavesa has the largest number of ‘Viñedo Singulares’ in Rioja and Luis Cañas is an exemplary producer of single vineyard wines from the region. The Estates' Director of Viticulture, Rubén Jiménez, is celebrated for the important research he has conducted in identifying special sites in the Alavesa, as well as recovering an extraordinary number of ‘lost and ancient’ varieties in the family’s vineyards. He was named Grower of the Year by Tim Atkin MW in 2023 for the vital work he is doing to advance and safeguard the region. In 2016, Juan Luis, son of Luis Cañas opened Bodegas Amaren in the neighbouring village of Samaniego, and named his son, Jon Cañas, winemaker.

Viticulture

Vineyards are planted at the base of the Sierra Cantabria mountains, reaching up to 660m altitude. The family were the first to plant at this altitude and now benefit from the microclimates found at such an elevation. Climate change is now one of Rioja’s most urgent challenges, which the family are leading vital research into combating. Organic and biodynamic principles are used in their vineyards. Most importantly, all vineyards are rationally farmed without herbicides or synthetic fertilisers. They were early adopters of social responsibility, having built a residence for vineyard workers in 2006.

Winemaking

A state-of-the-art winery ensuring the best quality fruit. Grape clusters undergo a double selection process: first sorted by hand and then checked a second time to ensure only the best are selected. Wines are aged in new French and American oak barrels from among the best cooperages in the world.