"VA!" Rioja Tempranillo DOCa 2022

Vineyards

Sourced from Viñedos de Alfaro’s estate vineyards in Rioja Oriental, the vines thrive in clay-calcareous soils at altitudes between 300 and 400 metres. The Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool nights, supports optimal ripening, enhancing the vibrant fruit character that defines this wine.

Winemaking

Crafted from 100% Tempranillo, the grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to capture their full, natural expression. Fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, this wine is crafted with no oak influence—tearing up the traditional Rioja rulebook to deliver a purely fruit-forward, modern style. The result is a wine that emphasises freshness and vibrancy, maintaining the bold, lively character of Tempranillo. Total production 7,500 bottles.

Appearance

The wine presents a vivid purple-red hue, bright and inviting, indicative of its youth and unadulterated fruit focus.

Nose

The nose bursts with intense aromas of blackberry and raspberry, complemented by subtle hints of liquorice and a touch of dairy, showcasing the purity of the Tempranillo grape without the influence of oak.

Palate

On the palate, Rioja VA! Tempranillo DOC 2022 is refreshingly modern and fruit-forward. Its vibrant red and black fruit flavours are perfectly balanced by lively acidity and smooth, rounded tannins. Free from oak, this wine’s structure is all about the fruit, leading to a clean, refreshing finish that redefines Rioja with a contemporary twist.

Food pairing

This fresh, modern Rioja pairs excellently with grilled meats, tapas, and semi-hard cheeses, enhancing its juicy, fruit-driven profile.

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 with a sense of place. Whilst honouring the region's heritage, Viñedos de Alfaro also pioneers modern interpretations of Rioja that highlight freshness, fruit, and a redefined vision of the region’s wines.