Rioja Alta is home to many of Rioja’s most well-recognized names, including López de Heredia, Muga, CVNE, and La Rioja Alta S.A. but it is also here you will find José Gil writing his own story of Rioja. Before modern or traditional Rioja, there was a simpler style of whole-cluster, co-fermented, and shortly-aged wines that were as naked and honest an expression of Rioja as one could find. So it should come as no surprise that when José Gil started his own project, he would follow in his ancestors’ footsteps and be more interested in the vineyard than the cellar. But these wines are far from simple. 

The Tempranillo vines at El Bardallo were planted about 40 years ago, which is slightly younger than La Canoca, producing a more nuanced and focused wine.  Co-fermented with a small amount of Viura and aged in 500L French oak barrels in Jose’s cellar in San Vincente. Crunchy acidity with seamlessly integrated dry cherry and spice on the palate, and subtle nose of red flowers and crushed sandstone on the nose. 

Pairing: Tapas, Barbacoa, Chorizo

Grape: Tempranillo, Viura

Soil: Chalky Clay-limestone and Sandstone

Viticulture: Organic, Biodynamic