If there is one bodega that has inspired the Rioja region with its wealth of innovations, then it is Bodegas Remirez de Ganuza. When the former estate agent Fernando Remirez de Ganuza founded the bodega in 1989, his aim from the outset was to soon be one of the best in the region, or even better, one of the best in the whole country. His former profession helped him to find the very best vineyards around the picturesque village of Samaniego in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region. His trademark - meticulous, more traditionally oriented work in the vineyard, on the other hand emphasising the character of the terroir and the grape varieties in the cellar through innovative cellar technology. And to achieve this, he has not only relied on technology available on the market, he has simply invented some things himself. This begins with a three-part sorting table, on which the grapes are subjected to another strict selection process. For his unique "Trasnocho", he has invented an inflatable bag that is carefully and slowly filled with water in the wine press overnight (= Trasnocho), thus pressing out the mash extremely gently after fermentation. But that's not all! As the upper part of the grapes is always slightly more ripe than the lower part, the grapes are divided at the winery and only the so-called "shoulder" is used. This is an extremely laborious process. The wine from the lower part is sold regionally as young wine. The wines of Remirez de Ganuza have long enjoyed a legendary reputation among connoisseurs and Rioja fans. The "Reserva" has long been a classic, at least since Robert Parker once awarded a vintage 100 points. The "Gran Reserva" is only produced in excellent years and is often compared to the 1er Cru Chateau Latour in Pauillac, and the white Gran Reserva "Olagar" is undoubtedly one of the best white wines on the Iberian peninsula. All the wines are united by the harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity, in which the terroir of the chalky soil of Salmaniego finds sufficient space. The wines are profound, never seem technical and, in addition to their complexity and depth, also impress with their fine, animating minerality. Fernando Remirez de Ganuza set out to be one of the best in the country - and he has long since succeeded!
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