Leza Garcia, Rioja Reserva 2020

This Rioja comes from estate-owned vineyards in Rioja Alta, around the village of Uruñuela, where the higher-altitude plots benefit from a cooler microclimate and limestone-rich soils. Situated between roughly 500 and 750 metres above sea level, the vines experience a longer ripening cycle, producing wines with greater freshness, aromatic tension and ageing potential. Bodegas Leza García combines traditional ageing with a contemporary signature: the wine spends 24 months in oak barrels, using American oak for the staves and French oak for the heads, followed by a further 12 months of bottle ageing to harmonise the tannins and enhance depth and complexity.

The estate works exclusively with grapes from its own vineyards, allowing full control over quality from the field to the cellar. The elevation preserves natural acidity even in warmer vintages, a hallmark of Rioja Alta: refined structure, lively tension and long development potential. Modern vinification techniques complement the traditional maturation approach, ensuring precision and purity of aroma.

Bodegas Leza García  chooses a balanced use of oak: American wood provides suppleness, gentle spice and a subtle sweetness, while French oak contributes finesse, structure and length. The result is a profile where fruit remains at the forefront, supported by nuanced spice and elegant framing. The palate shows ripe, polished tannins and a persistent finish, signalling excellent cellaring capacity.

The property has been family-run since the first half of the twentieth century. The current generation has modernised the operation without losing the strong connection to the vineyards themselves, creating a style that unites heritage with contemporary craftsmanship. The profile is approachable, yet layered enough to pair well with gastronomy.

Thanks to its higher-altitude location in Rioja Alta and its extended ageing, this wine stands out for its refinement, structure and balance. It reflects authenticity without excessive oak, offering a clear expression of origin and an elegant interpretation of the region’s character.