Arizcuren 'Monte Gatun' Rioja 2023 (100ml)

Arizcuren is a small, vineyard-focused project led by architect-turned-winemaker Javier Arizcuren, who has become one of the most interesting voices in Rioja Oriental. His aim is to recover and celebrate the region’s traditional mountain vineyards, many of them old bush vines planted to Garnacha.

Farming is organic and the winemaking is deliberately restrained, using concrete, large oak and gentle extraction to keep tannins fine and fruit vivid. The wines feel bright, lifted and quietly serious, carrying the warmth of the east while staying fresh and finely built.

Arizcuren is a modern, thoughtful take on Rioja’s lesser-known terrain.

Spain’s wine history stretches back to Phoenician traders, Roman viticulture and a long monastic tradition. The modern era accelerated after phylloxera pushed French winemakers south, shaping regions like Rioja. Today Spain balances heritage with innovation, reviving old vineyards and native varieties while refining quality across its diverse landscapes.

Spain is one of the most dynamic wine countries in Europe, home to a huge diversity of regions and styles shaped by its varied climate and long winemaking history. You will find fresh Atlantic influenced whites from Rias Baixas and fuller reds from Ribera del Duero and Rioja, where Tempranillo is the headline grape. The appellation system is built around quality tiers such as DO and DOCa which help guide you through everything from crisp Verdejo in Rueda to deep Garnacha from Priorat. Across the country the focus is on expressing place, with modern producers leaning into freshness, balance and regional character.

Rioja is Spain’s flagship wine region and a place where clear structure and long-standing tradition shape the styles. Tempranillo is king, delivering approachable reds with bright fruit gentle spice and familiar Rioja smoothness. Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo will often join the blend.

Ageing classifications such as Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva set the tone with increasing time in oak and bottle, adding layers of flavour. White Rioja, made mainly from Viura (Macabeo) offers both crisp citrus-led styles and fuller oak-influenced, often age-worthy wines.

It is a region built on consistency, reliability and strong winemaking identity.