2017 Bodegas Pujanza La Paul

A quick introduction to Bodegas Pujanza: a relatively young Rioja estate that quickly made its mark with characterful wines.

History and background of Bodegas Pujanza

Carlos San Pedro, the fourth generation of a winemaking family in Laguardia, released his first wine under the Pujanza name in 1998. He started with 15 hectares of vineyards and has since grown to almost 40 hectares. All of it lies in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, at altitude, where cool nights shape the fruit. In just two decades the estate has become a key player in the region.

Location and terroir of Bodegas Pujanza

All vineyards are located within about 4 km of the winery, around the medieval town of Laguardia. The position in the Ebro valley, sheltered by the Sierra Cantabria, creates a unique microclimate: warm days, cool nights, and limestone-rich soils. This brings slow ripening, aromatic depth, and a fresh line of acidity.

Grape varieties: Tempranillo and Viura

The estate works only with two native grapes: Tempranillo for the reds and Viura for the whites. Everything comes from their own vineyards, with close attention to each plot.

Specialities: single-vineyard wines and more

• Hado: entry-level Tempranillo from different parcels, bright fruit, aged 12 months in French oak.
• Finca Valdepoleo: the original 17.5 ha vineyard at about 630 m altitude, later lending its name to this cuvée.
• Norte: one of the highest plots (around 720 m), on limestone soils, powerful yet fresh with striking structure.
• La Paul: a newer addition, a small vineyard with its own microclimate at about 600 m, fermented spontaneously, partly in concrete and partly in oak. Elegant and balanced.
• Cisma: a rare bottling from a century-old parcel (La Valcabada), produced in tiny quantities, distinctive in style.
• Añadas Frías: white Viura from the San Juan plot (about 600 m), made only in cooler vintages such as 2007, 2010, and 2013.

Interesting facts about Bodegas Pujanza

- Carlos divides each vineyard - except for Cisma - into smaller subplots and vinifies them separately. They are only blended just before bottling to reach the desired balance.

- No cultured yeasts are used, and new oak is limited. Ageing takes place mainly in seasoned barrels for longer periods.

- Critics such as Parker and Peñín consistently award the wines over 90 points.

Order Bodegas Pujanza online?

At Grandcruwijnen you can easily order wines from Bodegas Pujanza. They are stored in a conditioned Wine Warehouse, so they arrive in perfect shape. If you choose ‘Pick up’ at checkout, you’ll see an instant discount applied right away.