From Winemaker Sandra Bravo, crowned 2019 ‘Young Winemaker of the Year’ by Rioja expert, the wine critic Tim Atkin MW .
This is a 100% Tempranillo from a high-altitude (600- 750m) vineyard. The grapes are 100% destemmed. Alcoholic fermentation is spontaneous and takes place in tanks; the wine then spends a year in neutral French oak (225-L). No fining or filtering.
Tim Atkin, 92 pts
"2019 was a pretty warm vintage in Rioja, but such is the altitude of Sandra Bravo's marginal site in the Sierra de Tolono that she picked this varietal Tempranillo in the first week of November. Spicy, fresh, and unfiltered, this is a very impressive entry point red with minimal oak, tangy pomegranate, and red berry fruit and wonderful perfume"
Sierra de Tolono
In the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño, in Rioja Alavesa, Sandra Bravo works in some of the oldest, and highest altitude vineyards in Rioja, growing Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura, and some Graciano. This young winemaker who worked in France, New Zealand, and Italy before coming back to her native land translates the mountainous landscape into pure and expressive wines.
She has this small winery in Villabuena de Álava, where she works with steel, amphoras, and old wood. From that area she also works on various micro-plots, being able to harvest multiple varietals from micro-terroirs that together form a fresh, beautiful image of the area.
Recently, Sandra Bravo and her wines have been gaining a lot of traction within Rioja due to her "hands-of" approach and the freshness of the terroir. In 2019 Tim Atkins named her the "Best Young Wine Maker" in 2019 and raved about "her talent, energy and work ethic," which are embodied in her finished products. Sandra explains "I am trying to be invisible in the winery" emphasizing the freshness and authenticity of the grapes being used.
In her own words:
