2022 Quiroga de Pablo Rioja Alta Tinto 'Abuelo Cayo'

An organically farmed (uncertified) blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha from 20-40 year old vines at 1600 to 2300’ elevation in the Rioja Alta DOC planted to soils with a high concentration of clay, iron, limestone, and many stones. The vines are dry farmed. Fermented in stainless steel with daily pumpovers and aged solely in steel. 13.5% alcohol.

Tasting Notes

Classic, clean and fresh Rioja at a great price! Medium bodied and very smooth, with lots of red cherry, dark berry and plum fruit accented by hints of spice and dark flowers. Very easy going- a great everyday table wine. Mellow tannins and acidity complete the package.

About Quiroga de Pablo

Bodegas Quiroga de Pablo is located in the village of Azofra, within Rioja Alta. Founded in 1850 and now in its 6th generation, the estate is run by Juan Luis, Diego, and Maite. The original bodega was built in a 25 - 35 feet underground cellar and continues to be used in the production and aging of the wines.  This is the family that first found and propagated the Tempranillo Blanco grape. Much like Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, Tempranillo Blanco came about by a random mutation on one single vine. As the story goes, winegrower Jesus Galilea Esteban was walking through an old Tempranillo vineyard in 1988 when he noticed one vine that had several clusters of black Tempranillo grapes and one lonely bunch of white grapes. He called the CIDA (Center for Agricultural Research and Development in Spain) and they came by, took cuttings, and propagated the new vine. By 1993 there were 100 Tempranillo Blanco plants. Today, there are tens of thousands, all of which stem from this one single mutation.