Rioja is without a doubt the most lauded and prestigious winemaking
region in Spain. Its success globally over the past few decades is on par
with the most popular and esteemed wines in the world. Yet its identity
has been in a state of push and pull between the “traditional” bodegas
and their “modern” counterparts. But much like another global wine
power, Piedmont, those seemingly opposite philosophies have actually
begun to meld into a more nuanced, best of both worlds approach
for many in the new generation. Dionisio Ruiz is an iconic, and almost
prophet-like figure for those youngbloods, as he has been toiling
for five decades now, focusing on indigenous varieties and classical
winemaking, while also embracing innovation. His latest “creation,”
called simply “Cuvée” is a shining example of this balanced, and exciting
approach in Rioja!