Izadi, Rioja Reserva

Izadi is based in Villabuena in Rioja Alavesa, the highest part of Rioja. The hillside winery (whose precipitous slope allows for gravity assisted production) was founded in 1987 by Gonzalo Antón as a modern breakaway from the traditional style of wine produced by other members of his family. As his son Lalo, who now runs the estate, says: “the whole concept of Izadi really started around wanting to produce wine to satisfy the needs of our friends over a meal”. Izadi produces modern, international wines that are true to their roots and a natural expression of the area.

VINEYARDS

Izadi owns 178 hectares and sources fruit from selected growers from another 108 hectares of old vineyard with an average age of 45 years. All located within the triangle formed by three villages: Villabuena, Samaniego and Ábalos. The vines are traditionally trained bush vines, a method which Izadi believes gives better exposure of the grapes, something which in turn leads to better ripeness and softer, fuller wines. The vineyards are 450-550 metres above sea level so warm days give way to cool nights, encouraging the aromatic qualities in the grapes to develop. The vineyards are planted in clay-chalk soils.

VINTAGE

Light rain through the autumn and winter, which grew heavier throughout the spring, replenished water reserves in the soil, allowing good vegetative growth before flowering and protecting the vines during the dry summer weather. Good climatic conditions during the last stages of ripening provided very healthy grapes, with optimum balance between technical and phenolic ripeness.

TASTING NOTES

The 2019 Rioja Reserva has a fresh and fragrant nose, boasting aromas of redcurrant, cherry and plum with notes of tobacco, toasted oak and spices. The palate is pure and rich with a long, fruit-forward finish.