Bodega
Akutain’s history begins in the early 1970s with its founder, Juan Peñagaricano
Akutain. At the time, Akutain was a young man living in the Basque country
while working as a traveling salesman in the wine trade. Through his work, the
young Akutain forged bonds with the families behind some of the Rioja region’s
most storied traditionalist estates, including CVNE and La Rioja Alta. After
many years spent visiting the cellars, studying local vineyard techniques, and
drinking every bottle of Rioja he could lay his hands on (all the while saving
his earnings), Akutain was ready to plant his own vineyards. He spent a few
years searching for the perfect site and finally, in 1975, he found his dream
property located just west of the village of Haro, the epicenter of Rioja, and
converted an abandoned horse stable into a tiny wine cellar.

A traditional Tempranillo-dominated blend with a smattering of Grenache (Garnacha) and Viura. This is “old-school” in the best sense of the word with its woodsy nose and seamless integration of the older American oak. At the core, you’ll find red and black cherries laced with woodsmoke, toasted coconut, and vanilla spice. The wine is energized with ample natural acidity and mineral tones that cut through the berry fruit. If you gravitate to Haro icons such as CVNE (Cune) or La Rioja Alta, then this needs to be in your wheelhouse.  This is an exceptional value for traditional Grower Rioja!