When a winemaker from Swartland falls in love with a winemaker from Rioja, the outcome can be quite extraordinary. Bryan MacRobert, initially renowned for his small-production, minimal intervention wines in Swartland, has now established himself in Rioja, specifically in Logroño, where he focuses on terroir-driven wines.
Bryan’s journey to Rioja began with his encounter with Clara Canals while he was working at Terroir al Limit in Priorat, where he gained valuable experiences alongside Eben Sadie. Bryan’s first vintage in Rioja was 2013. Although he initially rented vineyards, he has since acquired several, continuing to manage the farming process meticulously. His approach features hand-harvested grapes that are carefully sorted before entering the winery.
There’s a newfound movement among younger Rioja producers emphasizing vineyard authenticity over the traditional oak aging that has long dominated the region. While change is gradual in such a vast area, the shift towards highlighting terroir is noteworthy and comes as a breath of fresh air for Rioja.
Tasting Notes of Bryan MacRobert’s Wines:
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MacRobert & Canals Laventura Viura 2022: This wine, derived from 35-year-old dry-farmed bush vines in Alavesa, boasts fine mandarin and melon fruit notes with a delicate and expressive character. Rated 94/100.
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MacRobert & Canals Malvasia 2021: Skin fermented for 10.5 days and aged in concrete eggs, this aromatic wine exhibits bright apple and pear flavors with a grippy finish, rated 93/100.
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MacRobert & Canals La Nave Blanco 2022: A blend of Viura and Garnacha Blanco, this fresh wine is characterized by pure fruit, pear, citrus notes, and a hint of mint. Rated 92/100.
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MacRobert & Canals La Nave Tinto 2020: This regional blend aged for six months in concrete presents fresh red cherries and plums, with a refined and elegant structure. Rated 93/100.
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MacRobert & Canals Cuatro Corros 2022: Sourced from a vineyard over 65 years old, this wine features a mix of varieties and is bright, elegant, and stony, with lovely weight. Rated 95/100.
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MacRobert & Canals Barranco del San Ginés 2016: A field blend from ancient vines, showcasing sweet fruit with intensity and fine tannins. Rated 95/100.
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MacRobert & Canals Paraje de la Virgen 2022: From a revived 1920 vineyard, this wine reveals fresh acidity and vibrant cherry and plum flavors, with wonderful finesse. Rated 95/100.
Bryan’s unique vision and passion for the vines are well reflected in these wines, which can be found through Graft Wine and Wine Searcher.