Rioja Oriental – sub-region on the rise

The UK’s leading specialist wine magazine, Decanter recently published a feature on the Rioja Oriental sub-region, which author Simon Field MW claims is “undergoing a winemaking revolution” as “the younger generation is reclaiming the higher ground – in every sense of the phrase.” This area to the east of Logroño has been making waves recently as some as the region’s most famous producers have purchased high altitude vineyards in the area.

 

We have long been aware of the potential of the sub-zone formerly known as Rioja Baja, as it the source of our award-winning Rioja, Finca Mónica. The publication mentions Alfaro, where our partner winery is located as one of the “centres of excellence, gateways to sites of uncompromising altitude and real potential,” and even lists the winery as one of “10 producers to watch.”

 

Finca Mónica is a very different style of Rioja, as rather being a cross-regional blend, it is made from 100% Tempranillo from vineyards owned by the winery in the Rioja Oriental, located in the eastern-most part of the region, with a more Mediterranean climate. It is a little-known fact that this area is also home to some of Rioja’s highest altitude vineyards, such as those around the Monte Yerga, which go into Finca Mónica.

 

These environmental factors mean that Finca Mónica Rioja shows great purity and elegance, as well as adding freshness to the voluptuous fruit. But don’t just take our word for it; the Crianza won no less than three international god medals last year.