2020 Olivier Rivière Rayos Uva

WINEMAKER: Olivier Rivière
VARIETAL: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano
REGION: Rioja, SP
VITICULTURE: Biodynamic

"Pure and vibrant as Rioja can be. It is produced from the area of Aldeanuva de Ebro (Rioja Baja). The blend is dependent on the vintage but usually includes Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano – percentages change each year. Following fermentation it is aged only in tank and bursts with juicy, bright fruit that has a refreshing crunch. The finish is delicious and vibrant." - Andrew Guard

Olivier, as you might guess, is not Spanish but French. He was born and raised in Cognac, studied enology (with an emphasis on biodynamic farming practices) in Bordeaux and gained practical experience there and in Burgundy. The list of estates where he has worked is impressive by anyone’s standards from the most dedicated fans of natural wines (Domaine de Chassorney) to ultra-traditionalists (Domaine Leroy.) When his plans to set up a domaine in Fitou fell through, Olivier decided to spend a few years consulting in Spain, and he’s never left.

Coming from France, Olivier has an innate sense of terroir. Unlike most of his peers in Rioja, he bases his cuvées not on political boundaries or the length of barrel ageing but on terroir. He believes in a quality hierarchy inspired by Burgundy with generic appellation and Village wines at the base and Premier and Grand Cru wines at the top.