2022 Aiurri Landua

Aiurri is a young Rioja Alavesa project by Pedro Ruiz, director of Alma Carraovejas from Valladolid. Founded in Leza, at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, Aiurri combines modern insights with centuries-old Rioja tradition. The vineyards are located around Sonsierra, Leza, and San Vicente de la Sonsierra, regions that benefit from a microclimate where Atlantic and Mediterranean influences meet. The silky soil—clay-sand with high limestone content—and clonal biodiversity (Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, and several white varieties) offer optimal conditions for expressive, balanced wines.

Sustainable cultivation and organic vineyards

Aiurri works exclusively with organic viticulture. The plots are small and planted with vines aged 50 to 80 years. Thanks to the deep root structures of the vines, a natural balance is created between acidity, phenolic ripeness, and a refined structure. Viticulture is entirely plot-oriented, aiming to optimally express the character of each individual vineyard block.

Landua 2022: grapes, harvest and vinification

Landua 2022 is a blend of primarily Tempranillo, with complementary grape varieties such as Graciano, Garnacha, and several white varieties. The harvest took place by hand between September and early October. After rigorous selection, the grapes were transported to the fermentation vats using gravity. Fermentation proceeded spontaneously, without added yeasts, in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete tanks. Each vineyard and plot was vinified separately.

The aging was tailored to the origin: grapes from Leza spent 12 months in French oak, while the plots from San Vicente de la Sonsierra aged partly in large foudres and partly in barriques for nine months. The final blend aged for a further seven months in concrete to preserve freshness and integrate structure. The wine was bottled in the spring of 2024.

Maturation: structure and storage potential

Landua 2022 is characterized by its refined structure and balance between power and freshness. Careful barrel aging provides layering, while concrete finishing keeps the terroir pure. Thanks to the firm yet refined tannin structure, this vintage also offers excellent aging potential. Vinous awarded the wine 91 points and characterizes it as “compact and juicy with firm tannins and a balanced structure,” with a drinking window of 2025 to 2040. This makes it an excellent choice for the cellar as well as gastronomy.

Color, aroma, and flavor profile of Landua 2022

Color: deep red with a vibrant purple shade.
Scent: The nose opens with ripe plums and lightly candied cherries, followed by lavender, violets, and balsamic notes. The fragrance is rich yet restrained, with floral accents elegantly interwoven with spices and dark chocolate.
Taste: on the palate, the wine reveals itself to be compact and energetic, with juicy black fruit, firm yet integrated tannins, and excellent freshness. The structure is harmonious, with a long, slightly floral and balsamic finish.

Landua 2022: character and experience

Landua 2022 is a characterful Rioja Alavesa with modern precision and traditional depth. The wine offers a refined combination of power, freshness, and aromatic complexity. This vintage displays riper fruit than its 2021 predecessor, with more pronounced balsamic elements. The compact style, combined with its aging potential until 2040, makes Landua 2022 an ideal wine for the connoisseur and sommelier seeking nuance, terroir, and a wine with broad gastronomic versatility.