2021 Olivier Rivière Rioja Tinto Rayos Uva

WINEMAKER: Olivier Rivière
REGION: Rioja, SP
VARIETAL: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano
VITICULTURE: Biodynamic

"The very young unoaked red 2021 Rayos Uva looks for fruit-driven aromatics showcasing the approachability of Rioja Baja, where the wines can be juicy and tasty. It was produced with a blend of 40% each Garnacha and Tempranillo and 20% Graciano, quite different from the wines from the past, with 13.5% alcohol and good freshness and balance. It fermented destemmed and was kept in tank until bottling. It's very primary, young, fresh and juicy, with notes of berries and herbs and a light and fresh palate that makes it very pleasant and easy to drink." - Wine Advocate

Olivier, as you might guess, is not Spanish but French. He was born and raised in Cognac, studied enology (with an emphasis on biodynamic farming practices) in Bordeaux and gained practical experience there and in Burgundy. The list of estates where he has worked is impressive by anyone’s standards from the most dedicated fans of natural wines (Domaine de Chassorney) to ultra-traditionalists (Domaine Leroy.) When his plans to set up a domaine in Fitou fell through, Olivier decided to spend a few years consulting in Spain, and he’s never left.

Coming from France, Olivier has an innate sense of terroir. Unlike most of his peers in Rioja, he bases his cuvées not on political boundaries or the length of barrel ageing but on terroir. He believes in a quality hierarchy inspired by Burgundy with generic appellation and Village wines at the base and Premier and Grand Cru wines at the top.