Diego Magana Anza Rioja 2022
We have 6 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
The Anza Rioja 2022 comes from Diego Magaña's 4.5 hectares of old bush vines, spread across the Alavesa region of Rioja, in the villages of Kripan, Elvillar, and Laguardia. The vines, ranging from 30 to 90 years old, are primarily Tempranillo, but are interspersed with Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, Viura, and Malvasia Riojana, reflecting a traditional field blend approach. These "gardens," as Diego calls them, are planted in pure white limestone soils. A portion of the vineyards, typically the oldest, is worked using horse traction.
The Wine
This Rioja is intended to be a pure and highly drinkable expression of the region. It offers a juicy, floral, and captivating experience. The wine is made with indigenous yeasts in old open-top wood vats, with whole bunches included as the vintage permits. The wine is aged in a combination of a single 4,000L tina and used 225L barrels for approximately one year, then is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Expect a vibrant red fruit core with a touch of spice, herbs, and earthiness. It seeks to capture the energy and soul of this region with a sense of drinkability and vibrancy.
The People
Diego Magaña is a rising star in the new generation of Spanish winemakers. Drawing on his experience working alongside his father at Viña Magaña, he has branched out on his own to craft wines that are respectful of tradition, while also expressing his own vision. The Anza project is named after his mother, Esperanza ("Hope") Tejero. He is committed to a "simple, non-technological" approach, preferring to allow the terroir to express itself through minimal intervention and a focus on quality and purity.
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
Weather shipping advisory: Orders placed during times of extreme heat or extreme cold will be held for no charge until more favorable weather returns.
Rioja, Spain's iconic wine region nestled in the north-central part of the country, is defined by its diverse landscape and Tempranillo-based wines. The region is divided into three distinct subregions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja), each contributing unique characteristics based on altitude, soil composition, and climate. While Tempranillo dominates, other important grapes include Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo for reds, and Viura (Macabeo) for whites. Rioja's modern winemaking style was significantly shaped by the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century, which devastated vineyards across Europe. As French winemakers sought refuge and new sources of wine, they brought their techniques to Rioja, introducing oak aging and influencing the development of the region's distinctive, internationally recognized style.
Spain - Rioja
Tempranillo, Spain's most celebrated red grape, takes its name from the Spanish word "temprano," meaning "early," a reference to the variety's tendency to ripen earlier than other Spanish grapes. This versatility allows it to thrive across a range of climates and soil types. Though primarily associated with Spain, where it forms the backbone of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and other prominent regions, Tempranillo also has a significant presence in Portugal. Here, it's known under various synonyms, including Tinta Roriz, Aragonez, and Tinto Fino, playing a crucial role in the production of both red and rosé wines. Its ability to produce wines with moderate acidity, balanced tannins, and complex flavors of red fruit, leather, and tobacco make it a favorite among winemakers and wine drinkers alike.
