Vina Ijalba Reserva Blanco 2019

Viña Ijalba is a pioneering family-owned estate in Rioja, established in 1991 by Dionisio Ruiz Ijalba, who began transforming abandoned open-cast mines and gravel pits into high-quality vineyards as early as 1975. Located near Logroño, the winery is distinguished as the first in Rioja to be certified organic, maintaining a deep commitment to biodiversity and environmental sustainability through practices like wastewater recycling and the use of native yeasts. The estate is globally recognized for its research into recovering near-extinct autochthonous grape varieties, having been the first to produce single-varietal wines from grapes such as Graciano, Maturana Blanca, Maturana Tinta, and Tempranillo Blanco. Their winemaking approach blends modern technology with traditional soul, utilizing a mix of concrete vats and both French and American oak to create wines that prioritize fruit purity and terroir expression. By focusing on poor, stony soils and low-yield viticulture, Viña Ijalba produces a diverse range of labels—from fresh, unoaked styles to structured Reservas—that represent a unique third way between the region's classic traditions and contemporary innovation.