The Viñas Jóvenes is Miguel Merino’s “village” wine, crafted from younger vines (between 10 and 25 years of age) and designed to show off the personality of the village of Briones where the winery is located. These are vines in training, in a sense, waiting to grow old enough to be included in the Reserva or Gran Reserva, yet in the interim produce readily accessible, highly enjoyable wines bursting with exuberant red fruit notes framed by a delicately savory quality. Made from 92% Tempranillo, with smaller amounts of Graciano and Garnacha, the wine ages for 12 months in second use barrels as well as 500L casks, to emphasize the youthful fruit and not cloak it in oak. Ready to drink now, with juicy fruit notes and lively acidity, this is hardly a trivial wine, however. Rather, it has a surprising amount of concentration for such a well-priced bottle, with a noticeable Miguel Merino thumbprint of elegance, finesse and restrained energy pulsing through the core of the wine, just like its older siblings.

It's super nice to see the return of this line to our portfolio. The Miguel Merino wines have always been ones of excellent quality with attention to detail. This "entry level" version is cherry- fruit dominant with sweet and bright red cherries on the palate. There are also some nicely traditional elements of (lightly) rustic spices, crushed lavender, aromatic cedar. It starts out deep and finishes brightly. It is a hugely enjoyable rioja that has just enough traditional elements blended with a softer and more accessible style.

A beautifully modern Rioja that still respects its roots. Bright red cherry, crushed raspberry, dried herbs, and subtle baking spice lead the way, while the palate stays energetic and precise rather than overly oaked or heavy. There’s a purity to the fruit here that makes the wine feel incredibly alive, backed by silky tannins and a streak of earthy minerality that adds depth. The “Viñas Jóvenes” bottling showcases the freshness and vibrancy of younger vines without sacrificing complexity. Elegant, soulful, and dangerously easy to keep drinking.