RIOJA ALAVESA REGION
Rioja Alavesa region is located in the south of Spain’s striking Basque country, bordering the stunning Sierra de Cantabria mountain range to the north and the Autonomous Community of La Rioja to the south.
With its Atlantic-Mediterranean microclimate, Rioja Alavesa region guarantees plentiful sunshine, sufficient rainfall and protection from the harsh weather conditions of the Bay of Biscay from the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. This winning combination enables the region’s 200+ vineyards to make some of the finest quality Old World wines, possessing unique characteristics that set them apart from the wider known Riojas produced in neighbouring Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja.
Rioja Alavesa region is breathtakingly beautiful. Its 12,000 hectares of small vineyard plots dot the magnificent countryside, with rows of vines planted in its unusual light ochre coloured chalky soil in largely south-facing sloping locations.
Many cellars in this region proudly follow a long family tradition of winemaking that plays such an important role in local life. They combine customary methods developed and adapted over the generations with modern technological advances to ensure the highest quality is achieved.
TXAKOLI REGION
Situated in the north of the Basque country, the sea-facing hillsides of Getaria and Bakio are home to the Txakoli winemaking region, although other areas like Alava also produce high quality txakoli wines.. Txakoli wines are unique to this mountainous region, with the vines cultivated on land that is sheltered from strong coastal winds and benefits from maximum exposure to sunlight thanks to its geographic location.
Txakoli wine is of great social and economic importance and a source of immense pride amongst locals who value and embrace the region’s thriving food and drink industry. Production and consumption of Txakoli wines declined dramatically towards the end of the 19th century. However, it’s seen a magnificent revival in recent years, largely due to the Txakoli Winemakers’ Association with the support of the local Basque government. They have sought to protect the unique heritage and winemaking methods of the Txakoli region whilst promoting its quality wines to both the Spanish and overseas markets.
