Rioja Ánfora Solo Mazuelo DOCa 2018

Vineyards

The Mazuelo grapes for this wine are sourced from a 35-year-old vineyard located at 600 metres above sea level in the Sierra de Yerga region. The stony, poor soils and Mediterranean-influenced climate provide ideal conditions for slow, even ripening, resulting in grapes with intense flavours and balanced acidity. The vineyard is farmed organically, with meticulous care taken to preserve the soil and natural ecosystem.

Winemaking

This rare single-varietal Mazuelo is  made using traditional methods to capture the grape's true expression. After a manual harvest, the grapes are fermented with natural yeasts in clay amphorae, an ancient winemaking vessel that enhances purity and texture. The wine is aged for 12 months in amphorae, allowing it to develop a unique profile with minimal influence from oak. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and minimal intervention is used throughout to let the terroir shine.

Appearance

The wine exhibits a deep ruby red colour with violet reflections, reflective of its vibrant and youthful character.

Nose

The bouquet is aromatic and enticing, with notes of fresh blackberries, cranberries, and dark cherries, complemented by hints of Mediterranean herbs, subtle spice, and earthy undertones.

Palate

Elegant and medium-bodied, the palate offers flavours of juicy dark fruits and red plums, underscored by refreshing acidity and fine-grained tannins. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with a touch of balsamic and a whisper of smoke.

Food pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with roasted lamb, slow-cooked beef, and chargrilled vegetables. Its balanced acidity also complements aged Manchego, charcuterie, and rich tomato-based stews.

Background story

Arizcuren Bodega y Viñedos is a boutique winery in Rioja, Spain, dedicated to producing small-batch, terroir-driven wines that reflect the rich heritage and unique microclimates of the region. Founded by Javier Arizcuren, an architect-turned-winemaker, the winery is committed to reviving traditional winemaking methods and showcasing the true potential of the Sierra de Yerga vineyards. With a deep respect for the land and a focus on sustainability, Arizcuren carefully cultivates old vine Garnacha and Graciano, alongside other native varietals, from hand-tended, organic vineyards.

Javier’s approach is one of minimal intervention, allowing the distinctive qualities of the high-altitude vineyards, with their stony soils and Mediterranean influences, to shape the character of the wines. Arizcuren’s philosophy emphasises precision viticulture, with each wine capturing the essence of its terroir, resulting in pure, elegant wines with a strong sense of place. Since its inception, the winery has earned widespread recognition for its innovative and artisanal approach to winemaking, offering a modern interpretation of Rioja’s historic vineyards.