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.

Right now, in the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, the vines are in the bud swelling stage. The buds are starting to swell, and almost without noticing, the first shoots appear. This is the visible beginning of a new vintage.

This moment sets the rhythm for everything that will follow. The plant reactivates, the root system resumes its function, and the vine starts growing strongly, shaped by the climate, the soil, and careful vineyard management. It’s a brief, but decisive, stage.

Bud Swelling: the first sign of life

Bud swelling is the phase in which the buds, closed all winter, begin to swell.

At first glance, the vine may still seem dormant, but internally, the plant is already active. Sap starts circulating, temperatures rise slightly, and the vine prepares to grow.

It’s a very delicate moment, as any sudden change—such as a late frost—can directly affect the plant’s development.

Shoot Emergence: the vineyard turns green

Soon after comes shoot emergence. The buds open, and the first green shoots appear, small and fragile, which will develop into shoots, leaves, and eventually clusters.

The vineyard changes completely. What a few weeks ago was bare wood now begins to fill with life.

Shoot emergence is not only the visible start of the new vintage, it also largely determines the vine’s potential. The number and quality of the shoots will influence the balance of the plant and shape the entire growth cycle.

A new cycle… also in the glass

This awakening of the vine coincides with a natural shift in how we enjoy wine. Days grow longer, temperatures soften, and we naturally look for fresher, lighter, and more lively wines.

At this time of year, two Dominio de Berzal wines are especially suited:

Parcelas Viura, a white that expresses freshness and balance, with an acidity that adds tension and lengthens the finish. Perfect for appetizers, light meals, or simply enjoying in the sun.

Graciano, a red with a more agile and vibrant profile, marked by a fresh touch that makes it unique and very versatile at this time of year.

What we see today in the vineyard—the small shoot just breaking through—is the origin of everything that will come.

Spring doesn’t just start a new cycle in the vineyard. It also shapes the style of the wines we enjoy in this season: fresh, balanced, and lively.

Not Just About Turning One Hundred

A centenary vineyard is defined by vines that are more than a century old. These plants are true survivors, having withstood historic plagues and extreme weather
conditions over the decades. As Iñigo explains, their value lies in their resilience: “They are pre-phylloxera vines, dating back to before the phylloxera plague, which have
adapted and endured in this land for more than a century.” Having overcome so much, they have developed very deep root systems that allow them to reach nutrients other
vines cannot access and to self-regulate naturally.

Quality Over Quantity

One of the most fascinating characteristics of these vines is their low yield. As elderly plants, they produce fewer clusters, but what they offer is of exceptional quality.
Iñigo uses a very illustrative analogy: “These vines concentrate more fruit within each berry, with more intense and riper flavors. It’s a bit like the difference between perfume
and cologne; centenary vineyards are that concentrated perfume, while younger vineyards would be the cologne.”

Moreover, caring for them is an act of respect for the past:

Bush-trained vines (gobelet system): They are maintained using the traditional training system.
Manual cultivation: The work is done by hand, respecting the viticultural practices passed down from generation to generation.

Wines with Identity and Soul

How does all this effort translate into the glass? The result is wines with high aromatic intensity and enviable structure. Thanks to the vine’s natural selfregulation,
the balance and ripeness achieved are, in Berzal’s words, “almost perfect. Beyond technique, however, there is an emotional factor. “They are wines with a story
behind them; the passage of generations grants them a unique identity and soul.” At our winery, we have the privilege of caring for a centenary vineyard in the “La
Salmuera” parcel. From this very special corner comes one of our most distinctive projects: Recient. What makes this project unique is that, starting from a vineyard
with more than one hundred years of history, we dare to craft a young wine. It is our way of bottling the freshness of the present with the wisdom of the past.

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.

This white is produced for the first time from the 2023 harvest, using 5% white Viura from our singular vineyard of Las Laderas de José Luis. A small percentage, almost discreet, yet enough to create a wine with its own soul and a strong connection to our family history.

A vineyard that is part of us

Las Laderas de José Luis has been part of the Berzal family for generations. A vineyard that we have seen change over the years, worked generation after generation, and that continues to speak to us about the land we come from.

Situated on a south-facing slope, between 500 and 560 meters in altitude, and planted on clay-limestone soils, this vineyard hosts vines over 50 years old. The low yield, around 4,000 kg per hectare, is part of its natural balance and the quality of the grapes it provides.

In this environment, the Viura expresses freshness, precision, and a marked mineral personality, a direct reflection of its place of origin.

Crafting without losing essence

The harvest is done by hand, as has always been the family tradition, with a careful selection in the winery. This wine is made with 100% white Viura, aiming to accompany the grape without masking it.

Fermentation and aging last approximately 8 months on fine lees, combining 500-liter oak barrels and concrete amphorae. Two different materials, one single intention: to provide texture and complexity without losing freshness or identity.

The tasting: expression of the place

In the glass, Las Laderas de José Luis White shows a bright straw yellow color. Aromas of quince and pear appear, accompanied by soft notes of vanilla and elegant roasted touches, naturally integrated.

On the palate, it is a fresh, light, and balanced wine, with medium body, citrus and mineral flavors, and well-defined acidity that extends the journey. The finish is long and saline, leaving a clean and honest memory.

A wine that won’t always be available

Las Laderas de José Luis White is not a wine intended to be repeated every year. It will only be produced in vintages where the white grapes from the vineyard reach exceptional quality. Therefore, it may not always be available.

This is a decision faithful to our way of working: respecting the vineyard, the vintage, and the story behind each bottle.

Discover it in our online shop.

This young wine, made using carbonic maceration, preserves the style that has accompanied our family for generations. A wine to be enjoyed unhurriedly, yet one that captivates from the very first sip.

This year, the story grows: we have crafted a limited edition of 3,300 bottles, a special production that preserves its timeless essence while offering more opportunities to share it.

The grapes come from a mythical vineyard for us: La Salmuera, a century-old site that continues to gift us clusters full of character. Tempranillo (90%) sets the pace of the wine with all its fruit, while Viura (10%) adds that bright, fresh touch that makes Recient so instantly recognizable.

Harvesting is still done by hand, because that’s how we understand this wine: close, respectful and full of intention. The whole clusters go straight into the tanks, where the magic of carbonic maceration begins. After around ten days of gentle fermentation, the wine is pressed and completes its transformation in stainless-steel tanks.

In the glass, Recient 2025 displays a bright red hue that hints at what’s to come. On the nose, you’ll find crisp red fruits, delicate floral notes and a slightly sweet touch reminiscent of liquorice and redcurrant. On the palate, it’s juicy, lively and silky, with a balance that always invites another sip. A sincere, vibrant wine full of life.

What to pair it with? Appetizers, rice dishes, grilled fish, cheeses, white and red meats… and any occasion that calls for a toast to what’s just beginning.

It is now available in our online store for 9 euros.

The essence of an indomitable grape

Graciano is a unique variety. Scarce, delicate and demanding, it only reveals its true potential when cared for with patience, precision and respect. Each bunch is the result of meticulous work among old vines and soils that breathe tradition.

In Baños de Ebro, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, our vines coexist with the climate, the wind and the earth to give life to a wine with its own character, impossible to imitate.

A wine with soul

Graciano 2024 is a red wine that speaks for itself: intense, fresh and elegant. On the nose, it displays aromas of ripe black berries, enveloped in subtle citrus notes. On the palate, its balance is surprising: fine tannins, silky texture and a lingering finish reminiscent of dark chocolate.

Each sip is an experience that connects you with authenticity, with the purest essence of our land.

Authenticity celebrated

This new vintage is not only a reflection of an exceptional year; it is also a testament to our passion for honest viticulture, which respects the natural cycle of the vineyard and lets the grapes speak for themselves without artifice.

Because at Dominio de Berzal, we believe that authenticity is not manufactured: it is cultivated, cared for and shared.

Find out more about our Graciano 2024 and the spirit behind each of our bottles at 👉 www.dominioberzal.com.