Hugonell, Joven, Rioja 2023

Rioja has many different styles, from the traditional strawberry, oaky Bordeaux influenced wines to some of the more modern, lighter styles. We searched for the best of both worlds – a fruit-driven modern style of wine at Joven level and more concentrated, typical flavours in the Crianza and Reserva levels. Carefully selected growers from this area produce the Hugonell Joven. The Ondarre winery, which is located 10km from Rioja’s capital of Logrono, is the specialist division of The Bodegas Olarra Group for producing Crianza and Reserva wines. We are delighted to offer this unique trio of wines with their original, distinctive packaging.

The Aldeanueva de Ebro (meaning the "new hamlet of the Ebro") rises against the wind on the plateau that runs from the slopes of Mount Yerga, to the River Ebro. The vineyards consist of different types of soils, from pebble to clay, at varying altitudes. The soils, together with the intensive sun exposure and low rainfall, define the vineyards of Aldeanueva. This area offers the potential to produce good quality, healthy grapes, characterised by their intense colour and medium to high alcohol levels.

The grapes were fermented with selected yeasts at controlled temperatures of 26 to 28°C in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of fruit. Gentle maceration allowed the extraction of the desired levels of colour, flavour and soft tannins. Racking took place in large American and French oak vats, and the wine was gently fined and filtered prior to bottling. The wine received further bottle ageing in the cellar, prior to release.