Over the decades, Rioja has become one of Ireland's most popular and well-loved wine styles. Most people know Rioja. Most people have drunk Rioja. But arriving into Rioja itself is a completely different experience to what we often see on supermarket shelves.
The reality is that a lot of commercial Rioja has become very industrial and brand-led. Somewhere along the way, the elegance and heritage of the region can get a little lost.
What Spending Time in Haro Reminded Us About Rioja
Spending time in Haro over the last few days was a reminder that Rioja is still deeply proud of its history, its vineyards, and the legacy of Tempranillo.
The producers we visited spoke constantly about patience, bottle ageing, freshness, balance, and respect for the grape. Not trends. Not marketing. Just making wines that reflect Rioja at its best.
A Family Rooted in Rioja Since the 1890s
Martinez Lacuesta was a perfect example of that philosophy. The family have been involved in wine since the 1890s and their roots were originally in ageing and storing wines. Today they still manually rack barrels in their underground cellars, which are naturally cold and lined with around 6,000 mainly American oak barrels.
What the Martinez Lacuesta Wines Taste Like
What really stood out was the elegance of the wines. They were not heavy or overly woody. There was freshness, floral character, savoury notes, and a softness that only really comes with time.
- Reserva 2020: Floral, spicy, medium-bodied and layered. A wine that quietly unfolds in the glass rather than shouting at you.
- Gran Reserva 2005: Leather, dried herbs, spice, and silky smooth tannins that only come with age.
Why Rioja Deserves More Credit Than It Gets
Rioja can sometimes be underestimated because it is so familiar to us in Ireland. But when you come here and taste with the producers themselves, you realise just how nuanced, historic, and elegant these wines really are.
Martinez Lacuesta is proof that the soul of Rioja is very much still alive in Haro, if you know where to look.
0 comments