Allende
Summary
Bodegas Allende is a medium-sized producer in Briones, Rioja Alta, crafting terroir-focused wines primarily from Tempranillo grown in limestone-clay soils across 22 hectares of high-elevation vineyards with significant diurnal temperature variations. Their winemaking balances traditional Rioja methods with site-specific expression through manual harvesting, tailored oak aging protocols, and minimal intervention practices that emphasize authentic vineyard character rather than production volume.
Heritage & Leadership
Bodegas Allende was established in 1986 by winemaker Miguel Ángel de Gregorio in the historic town of Briones, located in the Rioja Alta subregion of Spain. De Gregorio, who continues to serve as owner and winemaker, founded the bodega with a clear vision to produce wines that express the distinctive character of specific vineyard sites within Rioja. Prior to establishing Allende, de Gregorio gained experience working with several wineries throughout Spain, developing his technical knowledge and philosophy.
The winery takes its name from the Spanish word "allende," meaning "beyond," reflecting de Gregorio's intention to push boundaries in Rioja winemaking. The bodega operates from a renovated 17th-century mansion in Briones, which houses both production facilities and aging cellars. Under de Gregorio's consistent leadership, Allende has maintained its position as a quality-focused, medium-sized producer within the Rioja landscape, emphasizing vineyard-specific wines rather than pursuing rapid expansion.
Vineyards & Wines
Bodegas Allende manages approximately 22 hectares of vineyards distributed across several parcels in the Rioja Alta zone. The primary vineyard sites include Mártires and Calvario, each with distinct characteristics that influence the resulting wines. The vineyards are planted predominantly with Tempranillo (approximately 85%), complemented by Graciano and Garnacha, with small plantings of white varieties Viura and Malvasía.
The Mártires vineyard, situated at 480 meters elevation, features calcareous clay soils and houses 60+ year-old Tempranillo vines. Calvario, positioned at 650 meters, contains limestone-rich soils with significant clay content and supports vines averaging 45 years of age. Both vineyards benefit from the continental climate of Rioja Alta, with its significant diurnal temperature variations that promote slow, balanced ripening.
The winery produces a focused portfolio of wines, including Allende (the flagship red), Calvario (single vineyard), Aurus (a limited production cuvée), and Mártires (white wine from old Viura and Malvasía vines). Production remains deliberately limited, with annual output typically not exceeding 80,000 bottles across all wines.
Philosophy & Practice
Miguel Ángel de Gregorio's winemaking approach combines traditional Rioja methods with site-specific focus. The winery harvests all grapes manually, selecting fruit through multiple passes through the vineyards. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with maceration periods varying by vineyard and vintage conditions, typically ranging from 14 to 28 days.
Aging protocols at Allende are tailored to each wine and vintage. The flagship Allende red spends approximately 14 months in French oak barrels (50% new), while Calvario sees extended aging of 24-28 months in new French oak. White wines undergo barrel fermentation and aging on lees in French oak for 7-14 months, depending on the wine and vintage characteristics.
De Gregorio employs minimal intervention in the cellar, avoiding fining and conducting only light filtration when necessary. The winery maintains a traditional approach to vineyard management, employing cover crops between rows and limiting yields through pruning rather than green harvesting. This methodology reflects de Gregorio's commitment to expressing vineyard character through careful, deliberate winemaking that respects both tradition and terroir.