If there’s one area that has truly earned its place as a “comfort zone” (in the best sense) for wine enthusiasts, it’s Rioja Alavesa. But what makes it so special that it’s always a safe
bet to order a glass from this region?

Balance: its hallmark

Rioja Alavesa is a land of contrasts. The freshness of the Cantabrian influence meets the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, and that climatic tension is what gives its wines such
balance. Unlike other regions where wines can be overly powerful or too light, here you find the sweet spot: wines with body and structure, yet with a freshness that invites the
next sip. It’s the kind of wine that never tires the palate—perfect for both a quick bite and a full three-course meal.

Variety for every moment of the day

Another reason this region dominates bar counters is its versatility. Whatever you’re looking for, Rioja Alavesa has an answer:

• If you want something vibrant: the iconic carbonic maceration wine. This traditional young wine is an explosion of fruit and probably the most faithful
  companion to tapas culture.
• If you’re after elegance: wines aged in oak here tend to be very refined. The wood doesn’t overpower the wine—it complements it, allowing the fruit to remain the star.
• If you want something different: the region’s whites, often made with Viura, are enjoying a revival, offering a surprising combination of texture and freshness.

The human touch

What truly makes Rioja Alavesa special is its people. It’s a land of small villages where most wineries are family-run projects. There’s an almost sacred respect for the land and a
way of working that is passed down from generation to generation. When you order a wine from this region, chances are there’s a family behind it who knows every vine personally.

A piece of Rioja Alavesa in your glass

At Dominio de Berzal, we are part of this landscape and this way of understanding winemaking in Baños de Ebro. Our mission is simple: that when you come across one of our bottles in a bar, you feel you’ve made the right choice. From our young carbonic maceration wine to our signature creations, we craft each one with the freshness and
elegance that make this region unique. If you come across us on your next outing, we hope you enjoy the work that the three brothers pour so much care into.

Dominio de Berzal Crianza 2022: depth and elegance

Crianza 2022 comes from vineyards that are over 40 years old, where low yields and highly controlled viticulture allow us to work with grapes of great concentration and balance. The harvest is done by hand, taking care of each bunch from the vineyard to the winery. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, where it gains complexity and structure without losing its fruity identity.
The result is a wine with an intense cherry red colour and high intensity, clean and bright, which already shows youth and firmness in the glass. On the nose, even before swirling, there are hints of ripe black fruits accompanied by fine roasted notes. When oxygenated, mineral notes and hints of wild berries appear, integrated with elegant touches of vanilla and cedar from the ageing process. On the palate, it is warm and enveloping from the outset. It is a structured but accessible wine, complex but harmonious.

At the table, the Crianza 2022 reveals its full character. It pairs well with quality cured meats and cheeses, and has a special affinity with grilled meats, traditional roasts and small game dishes. Even oily fish cooked over a fire find a balanced ally in this wine.

This new vintage continues a tradition that has been recognised with several awards. This year, Dominio de Berzal Crianza 2022 was awarded the gold medal at the Brussels World Competition. The 2021 vintage also won a medal at the same competition in 2021.

Dominio de Berzal Carbonic Maceration 2025: energy turned into wine

In contrast to the pause of the Crianza, the Maceración Carbónica 2025 represents the celebration of the new cycle. It comes from several of the winery’s estates and is made using the traditional carbonic maceration method, a historic technique in Rioja Alavesa that preserves the purest and most fruity expression of the grape.

In the glass, it has a bright red colour with vivid violet hues, reflecting its youth. The nose is frank and expressive, dominated by aromas of red berries such as strawberries, redcurrants and raspberries. When swirled, delicate floral notes appear alongside hints of forest fruit and a subtle touch of liquorice. On the palate, it is silky and fresh. The tannins are soft, making it an accessible, straightforward and very pleasant wine to drink.

Its fresh, fruity profile makes it particularly versatile at the table. It is perfect for appetisers, cold meats and informal meals, but also pairs well with rice dishes, grilled fish, semi-cured cheeses and both white and red meats.

Same origin, two ways forward

The Crianza 2022 and the Maceración Carbónica 2025 are two different interpretations of the same land. One reflects the passage of time and the elegance that ageing brings; the other, the energy of the Rioja Alavesa tradition.

At Dominio de Berzal, we continue to follow a path that began decades ago. It is a long journey, built on experience, respect for the vineyard and a passion for wine. Each new vintage is a step forward. And each step confirms that tradition does not stand still: it evolves, renews itself and continues.

Each vintage has its own personality. Each harvest demands respect, observation and experience. This is how tradition and renewal intertwine at Dominio de Berzal.

Dominio de Berzal Crianza 2022: depth and elegance

Crianza 2022 comes from vineyards that are over 40 years old, where low yields and highly controlled viticulture allow us to work with grapes of great concentration and balance. The harvest is done by hand, taking care of each bunch from the vineyard to the winery. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, where it gains complexity and structure without losing its fruity identity.

The result is a wine with an intense cherry red colour and high intensity, clean and bright, which already shows youth and firmness in the glass. Even before swirling, the nose reveals hints of ripe black fruits accompanied by fine roasted notes. When oxygenated, mineral notes and hints of wild berries appear, integrated with elegant touches of vanilla and cedar from the ageing process. On the palate, it is warm and enveloping from the outset. It is a structured but accessible wine, complex but harmonious.

At the table, the Crianza 2022 reveals its full character. It pairs well with quality cured meats and aged cheeses, and has a special affinity with grilled meats, traditional roasts and small game dishes. Even oily fish cooked over a fire find a balanced ally in this wine.

This new vintage continues a tradition recognised with several awards. This year, Dominio de Berzal Crianza 2022 was awarded the gold medal at the Brussels World Competition. The 2021 vintage also won a medal at the same competition in 2021.

Dominio de Berzal Carbonic Maceration 2025: energy turned into wine

In contrast to the Crianza, the Maceración Carbónica 2025 represents the celebration of the new cycle. It comes from several of the winery’s estates and is made using the traditional carbonic maceration method, a historic technique in Rioja Alavesa that preserves the purest and most fruity expression of the grape.

In the glass, it is bright red with vivid violet hues, reflecting its youth. The nose is frank and expressive, dominated by aromas of red berries such as strawberries, redcurrants, and raspberries. When swirled, delicate floral notes appear alongside hints of forest fruit and a subtle touch of licorice. On the palate, it is silky and fresh. The tannins are soft, making it an accessible, straightforward, and very pleasant wine to drink.

Its fresh and fruity profile makes it particularly versatile at the table. It is perfect for appetizers, cold cuts, and informal meals, but it also pairs well with rice dishes, grilled fish, semi-cured cheeses, and both white and red meats.

One origin, two ways forward

The Crianza 2022 and the Maceración Carbónica 2025 are two different interpretations of the same land. One reflects the passage of time and the elegance that aging brings; the other, the energy of the Rioja Alavesa tradition.

At Dominio de Berzal, we continue to follow a path that began decades ago. It is a long path, built on experience, respect for the vineyard, and a passion for wine. Each new vintage is a step forward. And each step confirms that tradition does not stand still: it evolves, renews itself, and continues.

Iñigo Berzal, the winery’s winemaker, clarifies this fundamental issue for understanding the quality cycle of our wines.

The importance of the “vegetative pause”
The secret to why the cold does not damage the plant in January, but can be fatal in May, lies in the state of the vine. During the winter, the plant is in vegetative dormancy, asleep or dormant. In this state, the cold does not affect it negatively.

Vegetative dormancy is the winter rest period during which the vine stops growing and ceases visible activity to protect itself from low temperatures. During this phase, the plant enters a state of dormancy where sap stops actively circulating and leaves fall, allowing the vine to concentrate its energy on its woody structures. It is a natural survival response that occurs whenever the plant is dormant, preventing extreme cold from damaging its vital tissues.

This period coincides with the coldest months of the year and usually lasts from late fall to early spring, when rising temperatures reactivate the biological cycle. The importance of this phase lies in the fact that it allows the vine to strengthen and prepare for the next harvest.

However, the scenario changes dramatically when spring arrives. As our winemaker points out: “Spring frosts are not good because the vegetative state is no longer dormant.” At that point, the sap is already flowing and the new shoots are exposed; a sudden drop in temperature would freeze those shoots, compromising the harvest.

The three great benefits of winter

When the cold and snow arrive in moderation, without reaching historic extremes such as those of the famous Filomena storm, it brings us three competitive advantages for wine quality:

Strategic water reserve: Snow is a form of slow irrigation. As it melts slowly, the water penetrates deeply and gradually into the soil, increasing the water reserves that the vines will need to withstand hot summers.

Natural disinfection: Extreme cold acts as a biological “cleaner.” It helps eliminate microorganisms and small insects that live in wood and could survive milder winters, becoming pests when spring arrives.

Wood healing: After pruning, the cold helps the wood heal faster and better, protecting the plant’s structure for the new cycle.

Disinfect, nourish, and strengthen

For Dominio de Berzal, a proper winter is the key to healthy, balanced vines. The cold disinfects, the snowmelt nourishes, and the rest period strengthens. So, the next time you see snow on our vineyards, remember that nature is quietly working away for the next vintage.

A Graciano that invites sharing

From an aromatic point of view, this Graciano displays a very attractive range of flavours: black berries, cherry, salty liquorice and a fresh herbal background. On the palate, it is lively and silky, with a citrus acidity that makes it particularly gastronomic. Its tannins are soft and elegant, with a finish reminiscent of dark chocolate and subtle roasted notes, the result of eight months’ ageing in French oak barrels.

What should you pair Dominio de Berzal’s Graciano with?

This is where this wine truly shines. Its freshness and structure make it the perfect accompaniment to flavourful dishes that are not overly rich:

• Small game and poultry: partridge, quail and pheasant find their ideal balance in Graciano.
• Duck, especially confit or with slightly sweet sauces.
• Mushrooms and seasonal dishes, such as sautéed boletus or mushroom risotto.
• Pink meats, such as suckling lamb or rare beef.
• Cheeses, both cured and semi-cured sheep’s cheeses with character.
• Served at around 17 degrees, the wine expresses itself more fully and accompanies the food without overpowering it.

Discover infinity in a glass

In the glass, Dominio de Berzal’s Graciano displays an intense cherry red colour with a deep rim and a youthful edge that hints at freshness and vitality. It is a visually appealing, lively wine that reflects the character of a demanding variety that has been well cultivated in the vineyard. Its intense colour is a direct invitation to raise your glass and discover what comes next.

Recognised by critics such as Tim Atkin and James Suckling, Dominio de Berzal’s Graciano is a safe bet for those looking for something different in Rioja. A wine with personality, designed to be enjoyed slowly and, above all, to be purchased with the peace of mind that it will always be a good fit at the table.

For these new summer moments, Dominio de Berzal has the perfect company. We select white wines that have a Berzal identity are many nuances that fit in any summer encounter.

A river of whites

Dominio de Berzal Young White 2024.

This young wine is composed of a blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, has a graduation of 12.5 degrees and has a green, clean and bright colour.

On the nose, aromas of white fruit such as green apple, pear and also pineapple can be appreciated, the freshness is already noticeable on the nose.

On the palate, the wine has a fresh entry due to its good acidity, the volume of the wine is noticeable and its weight due to the work with the lees after the alcoholic fermentation, it has a long aftertaste with sensations of tropical fruit and pear.

Dominio de Berzal Blanco Joven is a wine with a high content of freshness and fruitiness. Its alcoholic fermentation preserves all the primary aromas of the grapes, which evoke, as we have said, citrus fruits.

White Viura and Garnacha Blanca.

The fact that they are single varietal wines made from two different grapes, Viura and Garnacha Blanca, allows those who taste them to appreciate the nuances and characteristics of each of these two varieties. These are very gastronomic wines from the 2022 vintage, which is considered a very good vintage. With their production, the Berzal brothers want to vindicate the different and original white wines.

The plot where the Viura grapes come from is called El Peregigo. It is more than 50 years old. It is a calcareous clay soil. It is located on a hill, facing north, with no slope, in a windy area that helps the vines to ripen during the ripening season. With an altitude of 520 metres, it is in a favourable situation for its growth.

The Garnacha Blanca plot is called Los Barrancos. It is more than ten years old, planted in calcareous clay soil on a slope at an altitude of 550 metres with a north-west orientation.

When making the wine, the Berzal brothers take into account the characteristics of each variety so that both express their full potential.

A total of 280 wineries attended the event, with a presentation of nearly 800 wines and an attendance of more than 3000 people. An important event in which Bodegas Dominio de Berzal wanted to be present. The balance could not be more positive.

Positive balance

Iñigo Berzal, the winery’s oenologist, says: ‘The perception I have of the reception of the two wines is that it was very good’. And he adds that “we were surprised by the great response to the Graciano. In the end, in this area it tends to be a variety that is a little more difficult because it is more acidic and because it has that single-varietal component of cut grass, fennel and balsamic notes”. And Iñigo acknowledges that ‘in this market they are looking for wines similar to this: much fresher and with more acidity’.

And with Las Laderas de José Luis 2021, Iñigo Berzal says that ‘although it is a wine that has not yet been released on the market, it will be released in autumn, it was also very well received and was recognised as the great wine that it is’.

On the commercial side, Iñigo Berzal says that “this show has opened a door to explore and get to know the tastes and trends of a different market. In this way, we can find out which types of wine are best suited to consumers in this market and adjust our offer”.

To round off all these memorable experiences we can recommend two wines that always fit in with a group of friends or a family about to celebrate something important.

7 Varietals 2021

This wine is a limited production. The 1,400 bottles per year of 7 Varietales 2021 contain a blend of a careful selection of seven varieties, all from our winery’s experimental plot.

This beautiful project combines 40% maturana with 10% graciano, garnacha, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and prieto picudo.

Its ageing in extra fine grain barrels produces a complex and different wine.

Among its most recent awards, it has won first place in the “Great Personal Wines” category at the Rioja Alavesa harvest festival in 2023 and for 93 points in Tim Atkin’s La Rioja 2024 Special Report.

Private Selection

Dominio de Berzal Selección Privada is a special, exclusive wine.

Recently awarded 92 points in the latest Tim Atkin report on Rioja, it is a wine made from a selection of grapes from Tempranillo vineyards over 70 years old. Produced in tank with the ‘Pisage’ system and aged in extra fine grain barrels.

Enjoy a special wine for a special occasion.

Balance

For Iñigo Berzal, the balance of this collaboration is ‘very positive because we have been able to unite a concept that I like very much, wine, with art’. Moreover, he insists: ‘We have reached a public, in this case that of museums, which does not have much to do with wine, and we have positioned ourselves as a brand in different places in the Basque Country that didn’t know about us’.

He also acknowledges that, within the world of wine, ‘we have discovered a Néstor Basterretxea who is not so popular’ because ‘apart from his best-known works such as sculptures, paintings, furniture design, he also designed logos, labels and lithographs’.

Berzal is grateful that this collaboration has allowed ‘us to get to know Gorka Basterretxea and has brought us closer together’.

Activities

The main action carried out to commemorate, by the winery, the centenary of Basterretxea was the launch of a special edition limited to 200 units of the Parcelas Viura and Garnacha Blanca in a luxury box.

The painter from Bermeo maintained a close relationship with the Berzal family, which you can discover in detail at this link, as a result of which the labels that wear, now silk-screened, the single-varietal white wines arose. Designed by Basterretxea, they reflect his vision of the characteristic plots from which both wines come.

Furthermore, on January 30, on the occasion of the exhibition that the Durango History Museum dedicated to Basterretxea’s work as a graphic designer and illustrator, a tasting was held in the museum itself.

There the relationship between the winery and the Basque artist was explained and the two single varietals that make up the centenary commemorative box were tasted. A tasting with great attendance and with the possibility of talking about these very special wines to a different audience.

Nestor Basterretxea Pack

There are still a few units of this very special pack in which, with an exclusive and carefully designed case, the two Dominio de Berzal Parcels are presented.

The fact that they are single varietals from two different grapes such as Viura and Garnacha Blanca allows those who try them to appreciate the nuances and characteristics of each of these two varieties. They are very gastronomic wines from the 2021 vintage, a vintage considered very good. With their production, the Berzal brothers want to claim different and original white wines.

The plot from which the Viura bunches come is called El Peregigo. He is over 50 years old. It is a calcareous clay soil. It is located on a hill, facing north, without a slope, in a windy area that helps heal the vine during the ripening season. With an altitude of 520 meters, it is in a favorable situation for its growth.

The Garnacha Blanca plot is called Los Barrancos. It is more than ten years old, it is planted in calcareous clay soil on a slope at an altitude of 550 meters with a northwest orientation. When making it, the Berzal brothers take into account the characteristics of each variety so that both express their full potential.

Characteristics

The wine is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Viura and has an alcohol content of 13.5 degrees. This wine has a cherry red colour, with a medium-high robe.
On the nose, aromas of red fruit such as redcurrant, strawberry, with a floral touch of roses. In the mouth it is a wine that has a fresh entry, the volume of the wine is noticeable with an adequate acidity, which is pleasant on the palate, making the sensation of wanting to repeat the drink to be able to experience those sensations of red fruit so pleasant.

Accompaniment

This new vintage, as a good carbonic maceration wine, is a fresh and fruity wine, generally less astringent than destemmed wines. Because of these characteristics, they are wines that go perfectly with light meals, such as salads, pasta, rice, paella and also with cold meats, cheese and, of course, with red and white meats.

Carbonic Maceration

Surely on more than one occasion you will have come across a wine label with the words ‘carbonic maceration’ written on it.
Carbonic maceration is a winemaking method in which whole, healthy bunches of grapes, without destemming, are placed in a steel tank, creating an atmosphere that is very low in oxygen. To achieve this, the CO2 released by the must of the grapes as it is crushed at the bottom of the tank when they begin to ferment can be used, or it can also be achieved by adding CO2 to the tank beforehand.

This whole process is very delicate and involves some extra care, both in the harvesting, which is done by hand and in small boxes, and in the transport of the grapes and their entry into the vat, which must be done delicately so as not to break the berries. Carbonic maceration lasts around 7 days before the grapes are pressed and alcoholic fermentation is completed in the traditional way: for 10 days at temperatures no higher than 26º C.
The result, as Íñigo Berzal explains, are very aromatic wines, with aromas of red fruits such as redcurrants, raspberries… and also aromas of cinnamon and liquorice. In terms of taste, they are fresh wines, usually light with less astringency and a good balance between alcohol and acidity.