Orben, Rioja
Vintage: 2021
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | OR301B21 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
The Orben project is a collaboration between friends who share a passion for fine food and wine. The Antón family (of Bodega Izadi) own 75% of the estate, with the remaining 25% split between many of Spain’s top restaurateurs.
Based in Rioja Alavesa, Orben’s 29 hectares of vines are planted at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria Mountain range in Laguardia, neighbouring those of Izadi. Their vineyards are divided into 74 parcels of bush vines, each with its own particular microclimate. The vineyards were planted between 1945 and 1954, with the low yields from these old vines giving great concentration and depth to the final wine. The limestone and clay soils impart excellent minerality, while the elevation of the estate (around 450 metres above sea level) and the mitigating influence of the Atlantic Ocean bring freshness to the intense, berried fruit.
The winemaking team, led by Ruth Rodriguez, ensures that the Orben Rioja is distinctively modern in style, with fruit leading the way and light toasted notes (from 12 months of ageing in French oak) being revealed on the slightly smoky finish. It is a wine of great structure, poise, balance and length.
Vineyards
The vineyards benefit from the mitigating influence of the Atlantic Ocean giving the resulting wines fresh acidity, which is important in a very warm climate. The grapes for this wine come from a selection of 79 plots of an average size of 0.30 hectares, located in Laguardia. The vines are planted on poor and shallow soils consisting of clay and limestone and are trained using the Goblet system. This area has the highest percentage of old vines in Rioja, with these vineyards planted between 1945 and 1954, with an average yield of four tonnes per hectare.
Vintage
The 2021 season proved remarkable, beginning with abundant winter snowfall that extended into early spring and replenished water reserves. A dry, mild summer with cooler-than-usual temperatures slowed ripening and encouraged excellent phenolic balance.
Vinification
The grapes were manually harvested in 15 kg boxes before destemming and transfer to stainless-steel tanks for alcoholic fermentation, which included double pigeage to ensure gentle yet thorough extraction. Malolactic fermentation followed in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and new French oak barrels. The wine was then aged for 12 months in 100% French oak, half new and half second-use, allowing it to develop depth, structure and refined aromatics.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
The wine shows an intense garnet colour and a refined nose layered with toasty oak, pencil lead, leather, black cherry and blackberry. The palate is fleshy and fruit-driven, supported by firm structure and impressive breadth. Impeccably balanced, it finishes with notable persistence and depth.
Alcohol (ABV)
14.5%
Acidity
5.1 g/l
pH
3.58