ANZA Diego Magana Rioja San Gines 2022
We have 2 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
The San Ginés vineyard sits tucked into the Barranco de San Ginés ravine, just outside the historic village of Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa—a region prized for its high elevation, white limestone soils, and old-vine complexity. This 0.97-hectare parcel, Diego Magaña’s very first acquisition in the Alavesa, is a living archive of Rioja’s viticultural past: half planted around 1900, the other half around 1940. Despite a warm and dry 2022 vintage, the site’s altitude and soil composition preserved freshness and balance, producing fruit of stunning aromatic clarity and natural tension.
The Wine
A complex field blend led by roughly 85% Tempranillo—and completed by a blend of other indigenous grapes. Around 12% of the blend comprises white varieties, adding lift and dimension. The fruit was fully destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in open-top neutral foudre, then aged for 12 months in two used 500L French oak barrels. Only 1,200 bottles were made. The wine is firmly in the ANZA house style—clean, precise, and elegant—but shows slightly firmer, more rustic tannins than the 2021, a result of the vintage’s warmth and youth. Still, it’s a beautifully transparent Rioja, with red fruit, dried herbs, citrus zest, and crushed rock. Time in bottle will further polish its structure, but the clarity of its origin is already unmistakable and enjoyable.
The People
Diego Magaña, one of the most compelling voices in Spain’s new wave of winemaking, is the son of Juan Magaña, whose Viña Magaña estate in Navarra helped shape the region’s modern identity. After early years working alongside his father, Diego began making his own wines in 2014 in Bierzo, inspired by his friendship with Raúl Pérez. Though his family had long held vines in Rioja Oriental, it was the high-altitude, limestone-rich soils of Rioja Alavesa that captivated him. In 2016, he launched ANZA with the acquisition of San Ginés—a project named in honor of his mother, Esperanza (“Hope”) Tejero. Today, he farms just 4.5 hectares across Laguardia, Elvillar, and Kripan, with old bushvines and meticulous vineyard work (including horse-plowing in the oldest plots). His winemaking is site-driven and low-intervention: indigenous yeast fermentations, open-top fermenters, gentle maceration, and aging in used barrels. Unbound by Rioja’s traditional classifications, his wines prioritize purity, energy, and drinkability—a quiet revolution built on respect for tradition and a clear-eyed view of the future.
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.
