04 Jun Las Laderas de José Luis Blanco: When a Place Changes Everything

At over 500 metres above sea level, there is a place where, looking down from above, you truly grasp the vastness of the world. Vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, the horizon opens in every direction and, when the wind blows — and it blows hard here — you feel as though you are somewhere unlike anywhere else. No photograph can do it justice: you have to climb Las Laderas to understand it.

The slope is steep. The soil, stony and clay-limestone in composition, retains very little water, forcing the vines to work hard to find it. That struggle is what gives the grapes their character. The vines that grow here, more than 50 years old, know this well: their roots have spent decades finding their way through this south-facing hillside, where yields are limited to just 4,000 kilograms per hectare. It is a demanding environment that produces a Viura with freshness, precision and a distinctive mineral personality.

This is a hillside that we have worked for generations. A vineyard we have seen evolve over the years, cared for with patience and dedication, and one that continues to speak of the land from which we come. The wine’s name is a tribute to our father, the man who believed in this plot and passed on to his children a deep devotion to caring for it.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected at the winery. Fermentation and ageing take place over approximately eight months on fine lees, combining 500-litre oak barrels and concrete amphorae. Two different materials, one shared purpose: to bring texture and complexity while preserving freshness and identity.

In the Glass

Bright straw-yellow in colour. The nose reveals aromas of quince and pear, accompanied by delicate notes of vanilla and elegant toasted nuances. On the palate it is fresh, light and well-balanced, with citrus and mineral flavours supported by a vibrant acidity that extends the finish. The aftertaste is long and saline, leaving a clean and honest impression.

Best enjoyed between 14°C and 16°C, opening the bottle one hour before serving and pouring into a large wine glass. It pairs particularly well with seafood salad, shellfish, grilled fish, game birds and aged cheese.

A Wine That Will Not Always Be Available

DOCa Rioja has recognised this plot as a Viñedo Singular (Single Vineyard), and Tim Atkin awarded it 93 points in his Rioja 2025 Special Report. Yet beyond these accolades, Las Laderas de José Luis Blanco is only produced in vintages when the grapes achieve exceptional quality. It will not be available every year. This decision reflects our philosophy: respecting the vineyard, the vintage and the story behind every bottle.