Miles' Pick

Winemaker Sandra Bravo focuses on expressing the extreme high-altitude (650m) terroir of Rioja Alavesa. The vines she farms are often over 80 years old, and were left wild until she took over these vineyards. She utilizes biodynamic practices and minimal intervention to craft wines that prioritize freshness and mineral precision over traditional oak influence. Her Rioja Blanco 2024 opens with vibrant aromas of white flowers, lemon zest, and wild herbs, reflecting the cool climate of the Sierra de Toloño foothills. On the palate, the wine is crisp and light-bodied, characterized by a distinct saline minerality and sharp acidity derived from its limestone soils. It concludes with a clean, zesty finish, offering a contemporary and elegant departure from the classic heavy styles of the region.