2022 Remelluri Blanco Rioja

Professional Reviews

Notes

Remelluri’s history begins in the 10th century, with wine production beginning in the 14th century, when monks cultivated vineyards near the monastery in the Sierra de Toloño mountains. The first documented reference to the estate appears in 1596 tax records from Laguardia, which mention its wine production. The modern winery was founded in 1967 when Jaime Rodríguez Salís purchased the abandoned vineyards and revived the historic estate. His work focused on restoring the original vineyards and returning them to production. In 1971, Remelluri released what is considered the first modern single-vineyard Rioja, distinguishing itself from the region’s traditional style of blended wines sourced from multiple areas. In 2009, Jaime’s children, winemaker Telmo Rodríguez and viticulturist Amaia Rodríguez Hernandorena, returned to lead the winery, marking a new phase for the estate. They work alongside Telmo’s longtime collaborator Pablo Eguzkiza, who trained at Château Pétrus. Remelluri’s vineyards lie on the slopes of the Sierra de Toloño above the village of Labastida in Rioja Alavesa. With elevations between 500 and 950 meters, they are among the highest in Rioja. The vineyards face south and are sheltered from northern winds, producing distinctive mountain wines that differ from the typical Rioja wines grown on lower plains. The combination of stony, calcareous clay soils, Atlantic climate influence, cool nights, and warm days creates wines with structure, acidity and complexity.