2020 Bodegas Pujanza Norte

Type of Wine | |
---|---|
Country | Spain |
Region | |
Appellation | |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2020 |
Grape | |
Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14%) |
Drink window | 2024 - 2035 |
In stock
18 items available
Description
The Pujanza Norte comes from the 2.7 hectare El Norte vineyard at 720 meters altitude which consists of clay-limestone soils, the layers of limestone are only 50 cm below the surface. On the vineyard the winemaker plants flowers, so that the vines have to go deeper for water, which gives the wine its special character. The vineyard is cultivated according to the rules of ecological viticulture and the grapes are harvested by hand. The Finca Norte vineyard is one of the highest vineyards in the Rioja and this makes this Norte Rioja an elegant and very balanced wine.
The 2020 Norte is made from 100% Tempranillo, sourced from a northern vineyard near the forest in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. Situated at one of the highest points in the region, this vineyard benefits from a unique terroir. The wine was aged for 12 months in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete vats. The result is a wine with enchanting forest aromas. Scents of rosemary, thyme, wild herbs and resin – similar to garrigue – surround a core of cherry. Dry, intense and with a moderate structure, this wine offers a harmonious balance between juiciness and suppleness, with a lively, long-lasting finish. The Norte shows the characteristic profile of the Sonsierra, with its pronounced and flavoursome characteristics.
Pujanza's white wines have been voted the best white wines of Spain by Decanter and Tim Atkins.
FACT: In the tab 'Attachments' you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send you this when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous and Wine Spectator via the links next to the image. A free service for our customers.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers.
1. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, garlic and grilled eggplant
The spiciness of the lamb enhances the wild herb aromas of the wine, while the grilled vegetables emphasise the earthy side and harmonise beautifully with the wood aging.
2. Beef stew with carrot, onion and bay leaf
Slow-cooked meat brings structure and depth, perfectly complementing the firm yet juicy style of the wine. The aromatic herbs accentuate the complexity of the glass.
3. Lentil stew with chorizo, pepper and tomato
The smoky notes of chorizo and the savoury depth of lentils bring out the spicy, mineral side of the wine, while the whole is nicely balanced by the ripe fruit.
4. Portobello mushrooms stuffed with manchego, thyme and walnuts
The earthy flavor of the portobello matches the woodsy aromas in the wine. Cheese and nuts provide richness and texture that pairs nicely with the structure of the Tempranillo.
5. Roast partridge with sage, beetroot and fig compote
The combination of game, earthy vegetables and slightly sweet fig brings out both the spicy and fruity profile of the wine beautifully. The refined structure of the dish matches the elegant intensity of the wine.
6. Grilled tuna with black olive tapenade and roasted peppers
The meaty structure of the tuna matches the powerful style of the wine. The saltiness of the olives and the sweetness of the paprika enhance the aromatic and fruity character of the Pujanza Norte.
Specifications
Packing information | Box |
---|---|
Type of Wine | Red |
Country | Spain |
Region | Rioja |
Appellation | Rioja Alavesa |
Winery | Bodegas Pujanza |
Grape | Tempranillo |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2020 |
Drinking as of | 2024 |
Drinking till | 2035 |
Alcohol % | 14 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 95 |
James Suckling rating | 94 |
Vinous rating | 96 |
Tasting Profiles | Aards, Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Kruidig, Rood fruit, Tannines, Vol |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 95
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$100
Drink Date:
2022 - 2030
The 2020 Norte is the top-of-the-range red from a north-facing plot in Laguardia at 720 meters in altitude on limestone soils with the mother rock 50 centimeters below the surface. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and matured in French oak barrels and concrete for 12 months. It has 14.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.48 with 6.15 grams of acidity. This keeps the powerful but fresh and balanced profile, ripe and concentrated. This is still young and needs some more time in bottle to polish the abundant chalky tannins, but there is more restraint and even a touch of austerity, showing a cooler vintage. 11,000 bottles produced.
Pujanza is one of the leading names in modern Rioja. It was created by Carlos San Pedro in Laguardia where he owns 40 hectares of vineyards and produces some 200,000 bottles. I tasted mostly 2019s, a very warm and ripe year with very high ripeness and all the wines (except the Hado) are above 15% alcohol, because he saw green notes in the grapes and waited for the ripening of the grapes but the alcohol was quite high. But the wines are not overripe; it's a ripe but compensated year. 2020 is cooler and the wines are fresher and have more contained alcohol, but both years are low yielding, for different reasons, but both with moderate crops.
Published: Jul 14, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
94
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 53
Pujanza Rioja Norte 2020
Friday, Jun 02, 2023
Color
Red
Country
Spain
Region
La Rioja
Vintage
2020
Dusty dark spices with a hint of black olives to the dark cherries, ripe strawberries, cocoa powder and cedar. Very juicy, fresh and tight on the palate with firm, caressing tannins and a mouthwatering finish. Textured and long, full of succulent berries and a savory cocoa powder edge. Drinkable now, but much better in 2025.
Zekun Shuai
Senior Editor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
96
Drinking Window
2024 - 2040
From: The Many Riojas of Rioja: A Tale of Forking Paths (Apr 2024)
The 2020 Norte consists of 100% Tempranillo sourced from a northern vineyard nestled near the forest in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. Situated at one of the highest elevations in the region, this vineyard benefits from unique terroir conditions. Aged for 12 months in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete vats, this wine unveils captivating forest aromas. Garrigue-like, fragrant rosemary, thyme, wild herbs and resin all surround a core of cherry. Dry, intense and moderately structured, it offers a harmonious balance of juiciness and suppleness, culminating in a vibrant, long-lasting palate. The Norte introduces the distinctive profile of the Sonsierra region, showcasing its flavorful and unique characteristics.
- By Joaquín Hidalgo on December 2023
Carlos San Pedro created Bodega Pujanza in 1998. He planned to make terroir-focused wines mostly using grapes from vineyards in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa, and that is exactly what he’s done, making ever more precise adjustments in search of greater purity. Every wine he bottles comes from a specific vineyard. As he told me, “In this area, elegance is far more desirable than potency.” Such is his pursuit. Wines like Valdepoleo and Pujanza Cisma speak eloquently of his success so far.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
96
The Wine Advocate: 94 Tim Atkin: 95 “Wine of the Year” James Suckling: 92 Guía Proensa: - Guía Gourmets: 96
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Wijnhuis
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.
The Pujanza Norte comes from the 2.7 hectare El Norte vineyard at 720 meters altitude which consists of clay-limestone soils, the layers of limestone are only 50 cm below the surface. On the vineyard the winemaker plants flowers, so that the vines have to go deeper for water, which gives the wine its special character. The vineyard is cultivated according to the rules of ecological viticulture and the grapes are harvested by hand. The Finca Norte vineyard is one of the highest vineyards in the Rioja and this makes this Norte Rioja an elegant and very balanced wine.
The 2020 Norte is made from 100% Tempranillo, sourced from a northern vineyard near the forest in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. Situated at one of the highest points in the region, this vineyard benefits from a unique terroir. The wine was aged for 12 months in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete vats. The result is a wine with enchanting forest aromas. Scents of rosemary, thyme, wild herbs and resin – similar to garrigue – surround a core of cherry. Dry, intense and with a moderate structure, this wine offers a harmonious balance between juiciness and suppleness, with a lively, long-lasting finish. The Norte shows the characteristic profile of the Sonsierra, with its pronounced and flavoursome characteristics.
Pujanza's white wines have been voted the best white wines of Spain by Decanter and Tim Atkins.
FACT: In the tab 'Attachments' you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send you this when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous and Wine Spectator via the links next to the image. A free service for our customers.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers.
1. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, garlic and grilled eggplant
The spiciness of the lamb enhances the wild herb aromas of the wine, while the grilled vegetables emphasise the earthy side and harmonise beautifully with the wood aging.
2. Beef stew with carrot, onion and bay leaf
Slow-cooked meat brings structure and depth, perfectly complementing the firm yet juicy style of the wine. The aromatic herbs accentuate the complexity of the glass.
3. Lentil stew with chorizo, pepper and tomato
The smoky notes of chorizo and the savoury depth of lentils bring out the spicy, mineral side of the wine, while the whole is nicely balanced by the ripe fruit.
4. Portobello mushrooms stuffed with manchego, thyme and walnuts
The earthy flavor of the portobello matches the woodsy aromas in the wine. Cheese and nuts provide richness and texture that pairs nicely with the structure of the Tempranillo.
5. Roast partridge with sage, beetroot and fig compote
The combination of game, earthy vegetables and slightly sweet fig brings out both the spicy and fruity profile of the wine beautifully. The refined structure of the dish matches the elegant intensity of the wine.
6. Grilled tuna with black olive tapenade and roasted peppers
The meaty structure of the tuna matches the powerful style of the wine. The saltiness of the olives and the sweetness of the paprika enhance the aromatic and fruity character of the Pujanza Norte.
Packing information | Box |
---|---|
Type of Wine | Red |
Country | Spain |
Region | Rioja |
Appellation | Rioja Alavesa |
Winery | Bodegas Pujanza |
Grape | Tempranillo |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2020 |
Drinking as of | 2024 |
Drinking till | 2035 |
Alcohol % | 14 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 95 |
James Suckling rating | 94 |
Vinous rating | 96 |
Tasting Profiles | Aards, Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Kruidig, Rood fruit, Tannines, Vol |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard, Romantisch |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 95
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$100
Drink Date:
2022 - 2030
The 2020 Norte is the top-of-the-range red from a north-facing plot in Laguardia at 720 meters in altitude on limestone soils with the mother rock 50 centimeters below the surface. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and matured in French oak barrels and concrete for 12 months. It has 14.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.48 with 6.15 grams of acidity. This keeps the powerful but fresh and balanced profile, ripe and concentrated. This is still young and needs some more time in bottle to polish the abundant chalky tannins, but there is more restraint and even a touch of austerity, showing a cooler vintage. 11,000 bottles produced.
Pujanza is one of the leading names in modern Rioja. It was created by Carlos San Pedro in Laguardia where he owns 40 hectares of vineyards and produces some 200,000 bottles. I tasted mostly 2019s, a very warm and ripe year with very high ripeness and all the wines (except the Hado) are above 15% alcohol, because he saw green notes in the grapes and waited for the ripening of the grapes but the alcohol was quite high. But the wines are not overripe; it's a ripe but compensated year. 2020 is cooler and the wines are fresher and have more contained alcohol, but both years are low yielding, for different reasons, but both with moderate crops.
Published: Jul 14, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
94
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 53
Pujanza Rioja Norte 2020
Friday, Jun 02, 2023
Color
Red
Country
Spain
Region
La Rioja
Vintage
2020
Dusty dark spices with a hint of black olives to the dark cherries, ripe strawberries, cocoa powder and cedar. Very juicy, fresh and tight on the palate with firm, caressing tannins and a mouthwatering finish. Textured and long, full of succulent berries and a savory cocoa powder edge. Drinkable now, but much better in 2025.
Zekun Shuai
Senior Editor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
96
Drinking Window
2024 - 2040
From: The Many Riojas of Rioja: A Tale of Forking Paths (Apr 2024)
The 2020 Norte consists of 100% Tempranillo sourced from a northern vineyard nestled near the forest in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. Situated at one of the highest elevations in the region, this vineyard benefits from unique terroir conditions. Aged for 12 months in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete vats, this wine unveils captivating forest aromas. Garrigue-like, fragrant rosemary, thyme, wild herbs and resin all surround a core of cherry. Dry, intense and moderately structured, it offers a harmonious balance of juiciness and suppleness, culminating in a vibrant, long-lasting palate. The Norte introduces the distinctive profile of the Sonsierra region, showcasing its flavorful and unique characteristics.
- By Joaquín Hidalgo on December 2023
Carlos San Pedro created Bodega Pujanza in 1998. He planned to make terroir-focused wines mostly using grapes from vineyards in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa, and that is exactly what he’s done, making ever more precise adjustments in search of greater purity. Every wine he bottles comes from a specific vineyard. As he told me, “In this area, elegance is far more desirable than potency.” Such is his pursuit. Wines like Valdepoleo and Pujanza Cisma speak eloquently of his success so far.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
96
The Wine Advocate: 94 Tim Atkin: 95 “Wine of the Year” James Suckling: 92 Guía Proensa: - Guía Gourmets: 96
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
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.