Website: https://alegrevalganon.com/
These Alegre Valagñón wines left me blown away. The winery started in 2014, and it’s owned by a husband and wife-duo, Oscar Alegre and Eva Valagñón. They were initially agricultural engineers who fell in love while studying the art of winemaking in Italy.
Their winery is nestled west of Haro, near the Obarenes Mountains, where the vineyards bear grapes full of zest. They not only grow their own grapes but also make purchases from others. Their unique approach revolves around cherishing and emphasizing the vineyard. In the process of fermentation, they utilize some stems and age their wines in neutral oak.
This project perfectly embodies the heart and soul of the Rioja region, and it’s reminiscent of the wine-making techniques used before the 19th century phylloxera epidemic, which led to the introduction of small oak barrels and industrial-sized wineries by the Bordelais. These wines are truly compelling and provide a unique tasting experience.
Alegre Valagñón Blanco 2021 Rioja, Spain
25% skin ferment. Fresh and linear with nice presence and bright fruit. Bold citrus and pear fruit with good acidity, and a touch of structure. 92/100
Alegre Valagñón Blanco 2017 Rioja, Spain
Textural and fine with nice depth and sweet pear and apple fruit, as well as some bright citrus. Lovely fruit with some fine stony notes. 93/100
Alegre Valagñón Las Llanas Blanco 2021 Rioja, Spain
100% skin ferment. Lovely fruit with pear and peach as well as some stony character. Textured with nice brightness, and has a bit of structure. Very expressive. 94/100
Alegre Valagñón Tinto 2020 Rioja, Spain
Juicy, lively and bright with lovely focused cherry and raspberry fruit, as well as a touch of meat and spice, with some grippy structure. Modern-styled Rioja with fruit to the fore but also good structure. 94/100
Alegre Valagñón Carra Sto Domingo 2021 Rioja, Spain
Alcohol content is 14.5%. A limited edition of just 950 bottles. This wine showcases elegance and refinement without sacrificing potency. It offers a palate of sweet red cherries and red currants. Its lively and juicy taste is complimented by a gravelly spice hint, a good structural framework, and well-blended tannins. It delights with its substantial weight and hint of fresh green sap, paired with smooth cherry fruit. Rated 95/100.
Alegre Valagñón Garnacha 2021 Rioja, Spain
Made from half whole bunches. It’s supple and rejuvenating, boasting cherry and raspberry fruit flavours with an appealing grip. It contains some spicy details balanced by an attractive firmness. The wine is concentrated, vibrant, and carries the appropriate weight. It scored 94/100.
Alegre Valagñón Calleja 2021 Rioja, Spain
Marked with floral and exotic notes and fresh red fruit aromas that are truly enticing. The palate is marked by focus and a firm grip, together with a desirable density, bright cherry, and red berry fruits. The wine is supple, refined, and shows a touch of the exotic. Rated 95/100.
UK agent: Armit