Remirez de Ganuza
Summary
Founded in 1989 by Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, this boutique Rioja Alavesa producer crafts primarily Tempranillo-based wines from 80 hectares of old vineyards across Samaniego, Leza, Elciego, and Laguardia, where calcareous clay soils and high elevations contribute to the wines' character. Their innovative approach includes separating grape bunches into shoulders and tips for different quality tiers, while honoring traditional Rioja classifications through extended aging protocols that exceed regulatory requirements.
Heritage & Leadership
Bodegas Remirez de Ganuza was established in 1989 by Fernando Remirez de Ganuza in the village of Samaniego, located in Rioja Alavesa, Spain. Fernando, a former grape broker with extensive knowledge of the region's vineyards, founded the winery with a clear vision to produce wines that would maximize the potential of Rioja's terroir. In 2010, José Ramón Urtasun joined as co-owner, bringing business expertise to complement Fernando's viticultural background. This partnership has maintained the winery's founding principles while expanding its market presence.
The bodega occupies a restored 17th-century building in Samaniego's historic center, which has been carefully adapted to house modern winemaking equipment while preserving its architectural heritage. Since its founding, Remirez de Ganuza has established itself as a progressive producer within the traditional framework of Rioja, introducing technical innovations that have influenced winemaking practices throughout the region.
Vineyards & Wines
Remirez de Ganuza manages approximately 80 hectares of vineyards distributed across several villages in Rioja Alavesa, including Samaniego, Leza, Elciego, and Laguardia. These vineyards are situated at elevations between 450 and 600 meters above sea level, predominantly on north-south facing slopes that optimize sun exposure while maintaining temperature moderation.
The estate's vineyards are planted primarily on calcareous clay soils, which provide good drainage and mineral content. Tempranillo dominates the plantings at 80%, with complementary plantings of Graciano, Viura, and Malvasia. The average vine age exceeds 60 years in many parcels, with some pre-phylloxera vines dating back more than 100 years, particularly in their holdings near Laguardia.
The winery produces a focused range of wines, including Blanco (white), Reserva, and Gran Reserva expressions. Their production emphasizes quality over quantity, with annual output limited to approximately 200,000 bottles. Each wine reflects specific vineyard parcels and aging regimens, with the Gran Reserva sourced exclusively from vines over 60 years old.
Philosophy & Practice
Remirez de Ganuza has built its reputation on meticulous grape selection and innovative winemaking techniques. The bodega pioneered the use of selection tables in Rioja, where grapes are sorted not only by cluster quality but also by separating the "shoulders" (upper part) from the "tips" of each bunch. This practice is based on the principle that shoulders contain more concentrated, riper berries that are used for their premium wines, while the tips are directed to their entry-level offerings.
In the cellar, the winery employs a distinctive approach to pressing, using a vertical press that operates at extremely low pressure (0.5 bar) to extract only the highest quality juice. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with malolactic fermentation occurring in new French oak barrels for their red wines.
Aging protocols exceed the minimum requirements established by the Rioja regulatory council. Their Reserva wines age for 24 months in oak (combining new and second-use French barrels), followed by at least 24 months in bottle before release. Gran Reserva wines receive 30-36 months in oak and an additional 36 months in bottle.
The winery's commitment to quality extends to their barrel program, where they maintain a strict replacement schedule, using barrels for a maximum of six years before decommissioning them. This attention to detail in every aspect of production reflects Fernando's original vision of creating wines that express the full potential of Rioja Alavesa's terroir while respecting traditional classifications.