"Canterabuey" Viñedo Singular DOCa Rioja 2017

Vineyards

Sourced exclusively from the Canterabuey vineyard, planted in 1975, this 3.5-hectare plot is recognised as Rioja's first "Viñedo Singular" (Single Vineyard). Situated between Alfaro and Aldeanueva de Ebro, the vineyard's clay-calcareous soils and mature Garnacha vines yield grapes of exceptional quality and character.

Winemaking

Crafted from 100% Garnacha, the grapes are hand-harvested and undergo meticulous sorting. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the varietal's purity. The wine is then aged for 12 months in new French and American oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and structure.

Appearance

The wine displays a deep cherry-red colour with garnet reflections, hinting at its richness and aging potential.

Nose

On the nose, Canterabuey Viñedo Singular 2017 opens with enticing aromas of black fruit, including blackberry and dark cherry, interwoven with notes of wild herbs and subtle dried herbs. Creamy oak nuances add depth, alongside a hint of spice that complements the dark fruit profile.

Palate

The palate is powerful yet refined, showcasing ripe, concentrated fruit flavours with layers of blackberry, plum, and black cherry. Notes of wild herbs and a touch of spice add complexity, balanced by smooth, round tannins that give the wine a well-structured and full-bodied character. The finish is long, leaving impressions of Mediterranean warmth, savoury herbs, and a subtle mineral undertone, characteristic of its Rioja Oriental origins.

Food pairing

This wine pairs well with roasted meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses, complementing its depth and structure.

Accolades

91 points in the Guía Peñín

Background story

Viñedos de Alfaro, a family-owned winery in Rioja Oriental, has been producing exceptional wines since 1974 across its 100 hectares in Alfaro and Aldeanueva de Ebro. Known for cultivating native varieties such as Graciano, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Viura, the estate practices sustainable viticulture and holds High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, reflecting its commitment to quality and environmental care.

In 2005, a state-of-the-art winery was established, enabling meticulous control from vineyard to bottle. Viñedos de Alfaro’s two ranges include the classic Real Agrado and a limited-production series of single-vineyard cuvées like Rodiles and Conde del Real Agrado, each aged in French and American oak barrels for depth and complexity. Key vineyards such as Canterabuey, Rioja’s first Viñedo Singular (Single Vineyard), and La Planas on Yerga Mountain, reflect the diversity of Rioja Oriental’s terroir.

These are authentic wines that have a sense of place. Whilst honouring the region's heritage they are also pioneers both within Rioja and in their craft as winemakers.