2022 Aiurri Tinto

The history of Bodega Aiurri and the Rioja Alavesa region

Bodega Aiurri is a young and ambitious project founded in 2020 in the village of Leza, located in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa. The estate was started by Alma Carraovejas and focuses on producing wines with character from small, high-altitude vineyard plots. These plots are located at the foot of the Sierra de Toloño, where a unique microclimate prevails due to the combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. The soils consist of calcareous clay and loam, ideal for producing wines with structure, freshness and complexity.

The vines are often decades old and are maintained with care. The winery works plot-oriented, with terroir as its central focus. All work in the vineyard and cellar is aimed at expressing the natural expression of the grapes and their environment.

Climate, location and grape varieties

The Aiurri vineyards are located between 500 and 650 meters above sea level and benefit from cool nights and warm days. This slows down the ripening and ensures balanced acidity, fresh aromas and a long harvest season. The grape varieties used are typical of Rioja Alavesa, with Tempranillo as the dominant variety, supplemented by Garnacha, Graciano and a small proportion of white grape varieties that provide extra finesse.

Harvest and vinification of the 2022 Aiurri Tinto

The 2022 harvest was entirely manual, with careful selection of grapes in the vineyard and in the cellar. Each vineyard and variety was vinified separately, to optimally preserve their characteristics. In the cellar, gravity is used only, without mechanical pumps, to ensure the integrity of the fruit.

Fermentation takes place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in small tanks. Extraction is carefully controlled to favor elegance over power. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 16 months in French oak barrels of various volumes. The wine is then aged for a further four months in concrete vats, to soften the structure and refine the balance. Bottling took place in the spring of 2024, without cold stabilization and with minimal filtration.

Color, odor and flavor profile

The 2022 Aiurri Tinto presents itself with a bright ruby red color with purple reflections on the edge. On the nose, the wine opens with concentrated aromas of blackcurrants, ripe cherries and plums, complemented by floral notes, spices, graphite and subtle wood influences such as vanilla and laurel.

In the mouth the wine is energetic and structured, with a fine minerality from the chalky soils. The tannins are refined and provide a firm but elegant backbone. The acids bring freshness and balance, and contribute to a long, complex finish in which fruit and spiciness merge beautifully. A wine with excellent ageing potential.

International appreciation and expectations

The previous vintage of Aiurri was already excellently reviewed by international wine journalists. The 2022 vintage builds on this with even more precision in vinification and selection. Although the official reviews are still to come, expectations are high. The winery is now one of the most promising producers of Rioja Alavesa.

Would you like to order Aiurri wines online?

The 2022 Aiurri Tinto is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse, ready for delivery or pick-up. If you choose 'Pick-up' on the checkout page, you will often receive an attractive discount that is immediately visible. We are located in Dordrecht, almost directly on the A16, with ample free parking. Click here for our address.

Factsheets, technical information and additional photos can be found under the tab Attachment . The full international reviews of Parker, Suckling and Vinous can be read on our website via the links next to the wine image. This service is available free of charge to our customers.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine and food pairing? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier – available free of charge to Grandcruwijnen customers.

Wine and food pairings with Aiurri Tinto

1. 1. Beef stew with red wine sauce – the robust character of the wine perfectly complements the deep flavours of the stewed meat.

   2. Risotto with porcini mushrooms and Parmesan cheese – the earthy notes and creaminess go beautifully with the minerality and acidity of the wine.

   3. Grilled leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic – the spiciness of the dish enhances the spicy aromas in the wine.

   4. Roasted eggplant with miso and sesame – the umami and roasted flavors find balance with the fresh acidity and fruitiness of the wine.

   5. Duck breast with blackcurrant sauce – the sweet and sour sauce and juicy meat match the rich fruit structure of the wine.

   6. Tagliatelle with truffle cream sauce – creamy textures and earthy aromas enhance the complex character of the wine without losing its balance.