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: 85% Tempranillo 10% Garnacha 5% Viura

VINES AGE: 15-45 years old

ANNUAL PRODUCTION: Not more than 25 000 bottles

HARVEST & PRODUCTION

The grapes are destemmed and placed in concrete tanks where the fermentation starts naturally with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged in 225 and 500-liter oak barrels for 18 months. 

TASTING NOTES

The oak is very integrated and neatly folded into the fruit, which is ripe (without excess), reflecting a warm and ripe year, nicely balanced with some peachy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and reveals finegrained tannins.