Listen to my Uncorked Monthly Interview with Julio Saenz, the Winemaker of Bodega La Rioja SA.
La Rioja Alta is one of the most famous and one of the oldest wineries of the Spanish Rioja wine region.
From a pharmaceutical background, Julio Saenz started working at La Rioja Alta in 1996 as quality control manager before moving up in 2000 as the main winemaker for the group that also includes other bodegas in Spain (Torre de Oña in Rioja, Aster in Ribera del Duero, and Lagar del Cervera in Ria Baixas).
Listen to his Interview below as Julio tells us about:
- The very long History of making wine at La Rioja Alta SA
- The grape varieties of Rioja: Tempranillo of course, but also Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo and what each brings to the typical Rioja blend
- How important is American oak in the region, and for his winery in particular
- What’s his approach to making the wines of La Rioja Alta, including Viña Alberdi, Viña Ardanza, and the Gran Reservas 904 and 890
- Why the long ageing of many Rioja wines allow sthem to be approachable, and more importantly enjoyable shortly after they are released.
You can also find my article about Julio Saenz and La Rioja Alta SA on Uncorked Monthly: When it comes to fine Spanish wine, Julio Saenz really knows his subject
Learn Even More about this famous Rioja winery and all their wines with our La Rioja Alta Producer Profile (click on the image below):
In our winery profile, find out about how The Rioja Alta group also owns 3 other wineries in Spain: Torre de Oña also in Rioja (that does use French oak), Bodega Aster in the Ribera del Duero, and Lagar de Cervera in Rias Baixas on the Atlantic coast of Galicia.
But also:
- Tasting Notes, Wine Reviews & Related Posts
- A Brief History
- Location, Climate, Vineyards
- Winery and People
- Cellar Door information
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