Cherry, Menthol, Bramble

Rioja Alta DOC / Red / Tempranillo, Viura / Organic, Biodynamic

An 'esquirla' is a shard-shaped rock used as a cutting tool during the Neolithic period, it is often found around the barranco (lieu-dit) El Bardallo. It was fermented in open fiberglass vats from foot trodden grapes with 50% stems for balance and freshness. Ageing on fine lees took place in different French and Austrian barriques (2 to 3yo minimum) for just over 12 months. This Rioja is a standout, offering a fresh and contemporary take on tradition

Notes on the producer

3 Viñerones is the small side project of three friends: Carlos from Las Bacantes, Javier from 4 Monos (both growers in Sierra de Gredos), and Nacho owner of the iconic wine shop La Tintorería in Madrid.

They buy the grapes from Luis Fernández, owner of a tiny 0.55ha vineyard planted in 1982 on one of the most sought-after terroirs of La Rioja Alta. The zone El Bardallo sits at the border between the Rioja Alta and Alavesa, it is named after the local stream close to Labastida village. Luis has been tending his cherished family vineyard as a hobby but with such care that locals nicknamed the parcel 'la niña de Luis'! Following biodynamic principles since 2010 he's also been alternating ploughing and cover crop to increase biodiversity and life in his soils.

2015 was the first vintage ever made and it quickly caught the attention of critics for its lifted and refined style.