A true discovery, micro-production gem from the high altitudes of Spain. Offered at a price so reasonable, it'll make you look twice. 'Proelio' literally means “battle” or “struggle” in Latin - and that's the mission here: the battle to preserve Rioja’s disappearing heritage: old-vine, high-altitude vineyards of indigenous varieties like Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano. Founded in 2012 by Javier Palacios, Bodegas Proelio works on a 30-hectare estate that has been in the family since the early 1980s, with a mission to rescue old bush vines before they’re lost to modern agriculture and development. The winery focuses exclusively on red Rioja, drawing fruit from small, north-facing plots in Alto Najerilla, the Sonsierra, and the Montes de Clavijo—terraced, rocky vineyards at 600–700 meters that were once common but are now increasingly rare and vulnerable.

The wine itself is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, and 5% Graciano from 50–80-year-old vines, vinified with native yeasts, whole-bunch Garnacha, and gentle handling in French oak (18 months in barrels plus 2 months in a large 4,000 L vat), then aged 20+ months in bottle. This is a modern Reserva that's elegant vs powerful: fresh, mineral, and deeply site-transparent, with red and black forest fruit, vanilla, coffee, and chalky mineral notes pulled from calcareous, iron-rich soils. 

Why You’ll Love It

• Fruit from 50–80-year bush vines gives concentration and complexity, yet the wine remains fresh and elegant rather than heavy or over-extracted.

• The righteous battle to preserve high-altitude, old-vine indigenous grape varieties that would otherwise disappear.

• Modern Rioja with soul: Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano across multiple high altitude, old-vine landscapes creates magical layers of ripe black forest fruit, with silky tannins, vanilla, coffee, and chalky mineral notes

How To Serve It

• Decant for 30–60 minutes: This Reserva is approachable now but benefits from a brief decant to open its black-fruit, vanilla, and spice aromas; little sediment is expected.

• Serve between 59–63°F: Slightly cool room temperature lets the wine’s freshness and mineral character shine without being muted by warmth.

• Excellent with grilled or roasted lamb, beef and game. Wonderful with mature cheeses like Manchego.