Rigorous selection of only the best fruit from high altitude vineyards, Queiron have produced on of the new Rioja classifications: a ‘Vino de Pueblo’ which can only be produced from family-owned vineyards within a named village. This highly anticipated release does not disappoint! Predominantly Tempranillo (90%) sourced from several selected vineyard parcels in and around Quel from low-yielding vineyards receiving no articicial irrigation, many plots of which are old bush vines. Three stages of grape selection ensures top quality fruit is the basis for this splendid Rioja. The wine spends 18 months in new oak barrels (80% French and 20% American) with varying levels of toast. After a further 6 months in large (18,000L) French oak foudres, the wine is stored in the winery’s calado (underground cellar) before release. Pronounced aromas of ripe black fruit and blueberries, backed by spice, mocha, fig and balsamic notes. The palate is generous with complex bramble and plum fruit characters. A fine structure offers well-integrated oak and bright acidity, leaving an impression of great elegance lingering on the finish.

From the consistently excellent Rioja producer Bodegas Ontanon is a wine from the Perez Cuevas family’s special project devoted to expressing the vineyards around their home village of Quel. Predominantly made from selected plots of Tempranillo, it’s aged for 18 months in a mix of 80% French and 20% American new oak. “Smoky pipe tobacco with blackberry and a hint of clove on the nose, that smokiness continuing onto the palate like smoked bacon and wood-panelled rooms, mingling beautifully with fresh fruit and fine tannins,” the judges said. Top 100 The Wine Merchant Top 100 (July 2025)