Rioja Alavesa is dotted with small family wineries that amaze the world with the quality and character of their wines. Among them stands out Medrano Irazu, led by Amador Medrano, a reference of the new generation of winemakers who have transformed the region over the last two decades. With a philosophy that places the vineyard at the heart of the process, Medrano carefully cultivates his old vines in the area of Elvillar de Álava, where each vine tells a story. From these vineyards comes Amador Medrano Reserva 2020, an extraordinary Tempranillo that embodies the essence of Rioja Alavesa: intensity, elegance, and authenticity.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
Consumption time
General features
Type of wine
Region
Grape variety
100% Tempranillo
Type of bottle
Burgundy Bottle
Capacity (cl)
75
Alcohol content (% vol.)
14
General Information
Amador Medrano Reserva 2020 is born from the tempranillo variety cultivated in privileged vineyards of the Rioja Alavesa subzone, nestled at the foot of the majestic Sierra de Cantabria. These vineyards rest on clay-limestone soils and benefit from a unique location where Atlantic and Mediterranean climates converge, resulting in mild temperatures and slightly above-average rainfall. Most of the plots are situated at over 600 meters above sea level, which adds freshness to the grapes. This environment provides the perfect setting for vine development, bringing together all the necessary elements to produce high-quality wines.
The harvest was carried out manually between late September and early October. The grapes were collected in 12 kg boxes to preserve their integrity during transport to the winery. Once there, the best berries were selected based on their size and weight, ensuring exceptional raw material. Fermentation was conducted at low temperatures. Finally, it was aged in French oak barrels.
The Medrano Irazu family has been producing quality wines in Elvillar, near Laguardia and in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, under the protection of the Sierra de Cantabria, for forty years. With the turn of the century, Amador Medrano, second generation, took over from his father and rejuvenated the winery, transitioning from producing only young wines to focusing on aged reds. Parcel-based vinification was another of his innovations. Today, Bodegas Medrano Irazu produces wines that have gained recognition from critics in the U.S. and Spain.
Amador Medrano Reserva 2020 (D.O.Ca. Rioja) is ideal to pair with braised beef cheeks in red wine or stewed partridge.
The winery
Founded in 1984, Medrano Irazu is a small family winery with great ambition regarding the quality of its wines. A winery located in Elvillar de Álava, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, and managed by Amador Medrano, the second generation of the family. Bodegas Medrano Irazu has established itself as one of the most important names in Spanish wine after earning recognition from critics in the USA and Spain. Its philosophy combines traditional knowledge with the introduction of innovative ideas (such as producing the first Late Harvest wine in Rioja).
Bodegas Medrano Irazu owns 39 hectares of its own vineyards and oversees an additional 70 hectares managed by expert local viticulturists. The vines, with an average age of over 30 years, are planted at an altitude of over 600 meters, a factor that gives the grapes a unique aroma, color intensity, and structure.
Bodegas Medrano Irazu owns 39 hectares of its own vineyards and oversees an additional 70 hectares managed by expert local viticulturists. The vines, with an average age of over 30 years, are planted at an altitude of over 600 meters, a factor that gives the grapes a unique aroma, color intensity, and structure.