Rioja hosts many international winemakers including Bryan MacRobert of MacRobert & Canals, Tom Puyaubert of Bodegas Exopto and of course Olivier Riviere. Rioja is vast, and with multiple red and white varietals, microclimates and soils, allowing winemakers to indulge in just about any wine style they may wish to. And vineyards are cheaper, much cheaper than equivalent regions in France. One of the unifying aspects of these producers is their eschewing of traditional forms of wine production and the focus on fresher wine styles and vineyard expression.
Olivier Riviere’s Rayos Uva is a regional expression, sourced from the sandy, gravelly and silty soils of Rioja Baja. Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano make up the blend, varying proportions depending on vintage. Most Rioja producers have a wine that’s a regional or sub regional blend. Vin Joven or ‘Young’ wine is the traditional term, not used by Olivier Riviere, where ageing takes place in tank or concrete and rarely sees any oak. Produced for joyful drinkability, and to be consumed within two years of harvest, the best may see some oak and live for much longer.
Made with care. Hand picked, wild fermented and aged in tank for up to 8 months. The idea is to capture vibrancy, freshness and purity of fruit. Darker fruits of black cherry, kirsch, blood plum, blackberry, cassis and lavender. Very fresh, pure and plush, some herbal elements too, fennel and thyme. The palate’s fruit profile is a little different, being a compote of brambly fruit. The flavour is long and tannins melting and slightly sappy. Serious value for money.
