6 Rising Stars in La Rioja: Small Producers Redefining Tradition

La Rioja is often associated with time-honored winemaking—American oak, extended aging, and classic blends. We lived in La Rioja for 5 years and whilst we were there we noticed an new trend bubbling under the surface. Beyond the iconic names, a new wave of winemakers started to reshape the region and Masters of Wine such as Tim Atkins started to take note.

These producers are embracing a fresh approach, moving away from overly traditional styles while maintaining a deep respect for terroir. They focus on single-vineyard expressions, innovative vinification techniques, and an emphasis on balance, elegance, and authenticity. Here are eight rising stars in La Rioja who are pushing the boundaries of what the region can offer.

1. Bodega Lanzaga (Telmo Rodríguez)

” it is a world class wine”Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

While Telmo Rodríguez is far from an unknown name in Spanish wine, his project Lanzaga is a radical departure from the norm. Situated in the village of Lanciego, Lanzaga champions organic farming and a focus on site-specific wines. Rodríguez avoids heavy-handed winemaking, opting for concrete and large oak vats instead of small barriques, producing wines that are fresh, vibrant, and terroir-driven rather than oak-dominated. His Las Beatas bottling is an exceptional expression of a single vineyard, showcasing a Burgundian sensibility in Rioja.

2. Bodegas Bhilar (David Sampedro Gil)

David Sampedro Gil’s Bodegas Bhilar in Elvillar is a biodynamic pioneer in Rioja Alavesa. Working exclusively with estate-grown fruit, he emphasizes low-intervention winemaking and indigenous varieties. His reds show purity and finesse, while his white Bhilar Blanco, made from Viura with extended skin contact, challenges perceptions of what white Rioja can be. Bhilar’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and expressive, minimal-intervention wines places it at the forefront of Rioja’s evolution.

3. Elena Corzana (Elena Corzana)

93 points (Graciano 2022) The wine is impressive, clean, varietal, and modern, floral and spicy
Luis Guitierrez (Robert Parker)

Elena Corzana is making waves with her modern yet deeply terroir-driven approach to Rioja winemaking. With a strong focus on sustainable viticulture and natural fermentation, she crafts wines that highlight the purity of fruit and elegance of Rioja’s diverse landscapes. Her limited-production wines have gained attention for their balance and precision, showcasing the region’s potential beyond tradition.

4. Bodegas Moraza (Juan & Patricia Moraza)

Moraza has been a family winery for generations, but siblings Juan and Patricia Moraza have taken the project in a bold, new direction. Converting their vineyards to certified organic farming, they avoid oak altogether in favor of concrete fermentation and aging. Their wines are lively, fruit-driven, and unadulterated, stripping Rioja back to its raw essence. Their Tempranillo and Graciano bottlings offer a striking contrast to the region’s classic style, leaning more towards energy and drinkability than structure and wood influence.

5. Tentenublo Wines (Roberto Oliván)

Roberto Oliván is one of Rioja’s most exciting young winemakers, crafting expressive wines from old vineyards around Viñaspre. His project, Tentenublo, is known for vibrant, site-specific wines that avoid heavy-handed oak and extraction. Instead, he focuses on field blends, spontaneous fermentation, and minimal sulfites, producing wines that are electric, aromatic, and full of personality. His Escondite del Ardacho series explores micro-parcels and showcases Rioja’s lesser-known terroirs.

6. Bodegas Artuke (Arturo and Kike de Miguel Blanco)

“Today, more than 50 vigneron-style wineries, akin to Bodegas Artuke, have emerged in Rioja, sharing the philosophy of dedicating themselves to field blends as the way to best express terroir.”James Suckling

Brothers Arturo and Kike de Miguel Blanco of Bodegas Artuke are at the forefront of Rioja’s new wave, focusing on expressing the unique terroirs of their vineyards. Situated in Baños de Ebro, Rioja Alavesa, they practice sustainable viticulture and emphasize minimal intervention in the winery. Their commitment to crafting wines that reflect their origins has garnered significant attention.

Their wines, such as ‘Pies Negros’ and ‘La Condenada’, showcase the diversity and potential of Rioja’s vineyards, moving away from the traditional classifications and highlighting specific plots and old vines. This approach has positioned Bodegas Artuke as a leading example of Rioja’s evolving landscape.

The Future of Rioja: Beyond Tradition

These six winemakers are proving that Rioja isn’t just about aging classifications or adherence to old-school practices. Their emphasis on sustainability, site expression, and modern techniques is broadening the region’s appeal, attracting a new generation of wine lovers who crave authenticity and innovation.

As the demand for fresh, terroir-driven wines continues to rise, these small producers are leading the charge—rewriting the narrative of Rioja while honoring its deep roots. If you’re looking to explore Rioja beyond the classics, these wines are a great place to start.

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