Established since 1999, Bodegas Bhilar is a boutique winery located in Elvillar, Rioja Alavesa, run by husband and wife team, David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman.

Rioja Alavesa is the smallest of the three wine-producing sub-regions in Rioja, Spain. It is the northernmost of the three sub-regions, bordering Rioja Alta to the southwest and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) to the southeast. Rioja Alavesa is most similar to Rioja Alta in terms of climate, soil and style, and together they are considered to produce the best wines of the region.

Robert Parker 90 points

APPELATION: D.O.Ca Rioja (Sub-region: Rioja Alavesa)

GRAPE VARIETIES: 100% Graciano

VINES AGE: 30-50 years old

ANNUAL PRODUCTION: Not more than 20 000 bottles

HARVEST & PRODUCTION

Sourced from grapes grown in different villages of Rioja Alavesa, Laguardia, Leza and Páganos.  Fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats where it is matured for six months with lees before bottling

TASTING NOTES

Pure with contained ripeness, freshness and varietal aromas such as black pepper and flowers, and it is bright colored, clean and has a gentle mouthfeel with fine tannins