La Rioja Alta S.A. winery
La Rioja Alta S.A. is a historic Spanish winery founded in 1890 in the town of Haro, within the prestigious Rioja region. Established by five local families with a shared passion for creating high-quality wines, the winery has grown to become one of Rioja’s most respected producers, known for its dedication to tradition, innovation, and excellence. The winery’s philosophy centers on producing elegant, age-worthy wines that faithfully express the unique terroir of Rioja, particularly from the sub-region of Rioja Alta, which is celebrated for its ideal climate and soils for growing Tempranillo and other classic grape varieties.
La Rioja Alta S.A. owns over 400 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with Tempranillo, but also including Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha. These vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure low yields and exceptional grape quality. The winery places a strong emphasis on sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques, including hand harvesting, careful grape selection, and long aging periods in oak barrels. Their own cooperage crafts American oak barrels, allowing precise control over the aging process and the style of their wines.
The portfolio of La Rioja Alta S.A. features some of Spain’s most iconic wines, including Gran Reserva 890 and Gran Reserva 904, both named after significant dates in the winery’s history. These wines are celebrated for their complexity, elegance, and remarkable longevity, often spending years in barrel and bottle before release. The Viña Ardanza range is another flagship, known for its balance, finesse, and consistent quality across vintages. Other notable labels include Viña Alberdi and Viña Arana, each offering a distinct expression of Rioja’s terroir and the house style.
Innovation complements tradition at La Rioja Alta S.A., with continual investment in vineyard management and winemaking technology. The winery has expanded its reach by acquiring estates in other leading Spanish regions, such as Bodegas Torre de Oña in Rioja Alavesa, Lagar de Cervera in Rías Baixas (specializing in Albariño), and Áster in Ribera del Duero, further broadening its portfolio and expertise.
La Rioja Alta S.A. is deeply committed to quality at every stage, from the vineyard to the bottle. The winery’s team of experienced winemakers, led by Julio Sáenz, blends technical skill with respect for heritage, ensuring each wine reflects the character of its origin. The aging process is particularly meticulous, with regular racking and tasting to monitor development and guarantee consistency. This approach has won the winery international acclaim and a loyal following among wine lovers and collectors worldwide.
Visitors to La Rioja Alta S.A. can experience the winery’s hospitality through tours, tastings, and events that showcase both the history and the contemporary spirit of the estate. The winery’s striking architecture, blending tradition and modernity, serves as a testament to its enduring legacy and vision for the future. Through its unwavering pursuit of excellence, La Rioja Alta S.A. continues to play a leading role in shaping the reputation of Rioja and Spanish wine on the global stage.