El Coto, `875m Finca Carbonera` Rioja Chardonnay

El Coto was founded in 1970 in Rioja Alavesa and has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the best-known producers in Rioja. Now the largest vineyard owner in the region, El Coto has more than 730 hectares of vineyards across the three Rioja DOCa sub-zones of Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental, allowing them to represent the vast diversity found within the area. In 2023, El Coto was certified under the Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection organisation (SWfCP), in recognition of their improved sustainability practices, which include the installation of solar panels, reducing bottle weights and packaging improvements.

Head winemaker César Fernández oversees production at El Coto, starting with hand-picking into 350-kilogram crates to ensure the grapes arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Modern and intelligently designed, the emphasis in the winery is on temperature control and gentle handling of the grapes. The Blanco is fermented at 14–16°C to preserve aromas and to retain freshness. The Rosado, a scented blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, is bursting with fresh strawberry aromas. All the red wines are fresh and juicy with nicely balanced oak. The Crianza, made solely from Tempranillo, is aged in American oak for 12 months, followed by a further six months in bottle before release. The resulting wine is clean, vibrant and supple. The Organic Crianza is made from organically grown Tempranillo and vinified in a separate winery. It is aged in 225-litre American oak barrels for 12 months, and the materials used for both the label and packaging have been designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

The Finca Carbonera estate boasts the highest elevation in Rioja, located at 875 metres above sea level. This elevation makes it an ideal site for the new white grape varieties, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, recently authorised by the Rioja Wine Board. Besides Viura, the `875m` Blanco contains a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, which adds freshness and aromatic intensity to the blend. The `875m` Tempranillo is made from 100% Tempranillo and is aged for nine months in new French and American oak. In addition, they also produce a single-varietal Verdejo from this site, at slightly lower elevations, which is crisp, aromatic and vibrant.

The ‘Coto de Imaz’ Rioja Reserva and Gran Reserva are made from a selection of the best Tempranillo grapes from estate vineyards in Rioja Alta. While the Reserva is 100% Tempranillo, a small amount of Graciano is used in the Gran Reserva to add complexity. Maceration on the skins lasts for three to four weeks, and the resulting wine is aged in oak,18 months for the Reserva and 24 months for the Gran Reserva. Both wines combine the traditional oak characteristics of Rioja with a freshness that makes them classy and modern.