Jose Luis Ripa Rioja Rosado 2019

It’s rare to find a Rioja Rosado with this level of depth and sophistication at such an accessible price. Aromas of dried berries and a sherry-like nuttiness immediately draw you in, while the palate balances bright acidity with savory notes and a lingering, elegant finish.

This wine is the creation of José Luis Ripa Sáenz de Navarrete, a seasoned figure in Rioja winemaking. With extensive experience at some of the region’s most esteemed wineries—and a personal connection to Rioja’s traditions through his wife, Maria José López de Heredia—José Luis has brought his vision of a classic Spanish aged rosado to life.

The wine comes from a single hectare in the Najerilla Valley of Rioja Alta, where calcareous clay soils provide the ideal foundation for the 30+ year-old bush-pruned Grenache (65%) and Tempranillo (35%) vines. After destemming, the grapes undergo a gentle saignée process in stainless steel vats for about 18 hours. The juice then ferments in 500-liter used French oak casks before aging for over 30 months, gaining complexity and nuance prior to bottling.

This rosado is a masterful representation of Rioja Alta’s terroir and a testament to the rich tradition of aged rosados in Spain.