Larchago Reserva

The winery is situated in Lapuebla de Labarca, on the banks of the Ebro, and was founded in 1882, making it the oldest winery in Rioja Alavesa. This fact is reinforced by another unusual detail: its Bottler’s Registration Number (R.E.N. 35‑VI), one of the oldest in the appellation, the result of an early decision to bottle and label its own wines.

The vineyard, however, is mainly located in Laguardia, on plots situated at an altitude of around 600 metres, sheltered by the Sierra de Cantabria. These are old Tempranillo vineyards, trained in the bush-vined style and planted on clay-limestone soils, an environment that provides structure, natural freshness and ageing potential.

Larchago Reserva 2017 is made from a selection of grapes from vines that are around 45 years old. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with long macerations —around three weeks— and frequent pumping over, aiming for a complete yet gentle extraction. The wine is then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, followed by a further 18 months of bottle ageing, a long and patient process, true to the estate’s classic style.