2020 Ripa Rioja Rosado

In the glass, it shows a medium onion-skin color with copper reflections. The nose is savory and layered, offering dried strawberry, blood orange, and red currant alongside notes of citrus peel, dried herbs, spice, and faint oxidative complexity. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with bright acidity balanced by a broad, textured mouthfeel developed through extended aging. Fruit remains present but restrained, giving way to more savory, mineral, and lightly earthy notes. The finish is long, dry, and persistent, with lingering salinity, spice, and subtle tertiary character.

"A little deeper and probably more lactic than the 2019, but a little less exuberant. There are more dried herbs and minerals, with dried grapefruit and a touch of Aperol. Unique in style, which makes you think of a young Lopez de Heredia rosado (and you wouldn't be surprised if you find who makes this). Textured, full and harmonious despite higher alcohol. Cheerful and unassuming at the same time. (ZS)" 94 Points, James Suckling

José Luis Ripa Sáenz de Navarrete has spent decades immersed in traditional Rioja winemaking, working alongside some of the region’s most respected historic producers. His connection to Rioja’s classical culture is further tied to his marriage to María José López de Heredia of the López de Heredia family, one of the appellation’s most influential estates. Through these experiences, Ripa developed a deep familiarity with Rioja’s long-aging traditions and historic approach to élevage.

His own project focuses exclusively on a style that has become increasingly uncommon: traditionally aged Rioja rosado. Rather than producing rosé for immediate consumption, the wines are held back for extended aging before release, drawing more from classical Rioja philosophy than from modern rosé trends. Sourced from older vineyards in Rioja Alta’s Najerilla Valley, the project remains intentionally small in scale and centered on preserving this more historic expression of Rioja rosado.