Remirez de Ganuza winery
Remírez de Ganuza is a leading winery located in the Rioja Alavesa region of Spain, established in 1989 by Fernando Remírez de Ganuza. The winery is celebrated for its innovative approach and meticulous attention to detail, setting new standards in the production of high-quality Rioja wines. Fernando, originally a grape grower and trader, leveraged his deep knowledge of the region’s terroir to select only the best vineyards, focusing on old vines, some of which are over 60 years old. These vineyards, predominantly planted with Tempranillo, Graciano, and Viura, are situated on calcareous clay soils, contributing to the distinctive character and complexity of the wines.
At Remírez de Ganuza, innovation and tradition go hand in hand. The winery was among the first in Rioja to implement rigorous grape selection processes, using sorting tables to separate the shoulders and tips of grape bunches, with only the shoulders—considered the highest quality—used for their flagship wines. This level of precision continues in the cellar, where gravity flow systems are employed to move grapes and must, minimizing mechanical intervention and preserving fruit integrity. The winery is also known for pioneering the use of cold rooms to chill grapes before fermentation, a technique that helps enhance aromatic expression and maintain freshness.
The portfolio of Remírez de Ganuza is anchored by its flagship Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, which are crafted with a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and small amounts of Viura and Malvasía. These wines are aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, typically for extended periods, resulting in complex, age-worthy expressions marked by deep fruit, refined tannins, and elegant integration of oak. In addition to the classic reds, the winery produces a limited amount of white wine, made from old-vine Viura and Malvasía, which has gained a reputation for its richness and longevity.
Remírez de Ganuza maintains a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the unique qualities of each vineyard and vintage to shine through. The winery’s commitment to quality extends to sustainable vineyard practices, with careful management of yields and a focus on maintaining soil health and biodiversity. Each step, from vineyard to bottle, is overseen with a hands-on approach, ensuring that only the best wines bear the Remírez de Ganuza name.
Over the years, Remírez de Ganuza has received critical acclaim from international wine critics and publications, earning numerous awards and high ratings. The wines are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their depth, balance, and ability to age gracefully. The estate remains family-owned and operated, with Fernando Remírez de Ganuza’s vision and passion continuing to guide the winery. Visitors to the estate in Samaniego can experience guided tours and tastings, gaining insight into the meticulous processes and dedication behind each bottle. Remírez de Ganuza stands as a benchmark for modern Rioja, combining respect for tradition with a relentless pursuit of excellence.