2022 Remirez de Ganuza Iraila Garnacha

Remírez de Ganuza ranks among the elite of Rioja and is known for its meticulous selection and innovative approach. For years, the winery has worked with a strong focus on quality and origin, using only the best fruit. With Iraila, the estate reveals a different side: a wine not based on Tempranillo, but entirely on Garnacha. In doing so, Remírez de Ganuza underscores that it can achieve great precision and tension within Rioja using other grape varieties as well. You can find more information in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The grapes come from two old vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra: La Rad and El Convento. These plots are located in the higher and cooler part of the appellation, which provides extra freshness and aromatic tension. Old vines naturally yield lower harvests and more concentration. It is precisely this combination of altitude, cooling, and old vines that gives this wine its refined structure and lively style.

Grapes and vineyard management

This wine is made from 100% Garnacha. The grapes are harvested by hand in small 12-kilogram crates and then manually selected again in the cellar. Only perfectly ripe and healthy fruit is used. Thanks to this strict selection, the wine remains pure and precise. The old vineyards yield few grapes, but with great depth and a clear expression of their origin.

Vinification and aging

After the harvest, the grapes are destemmed but not crushed. They enter the fermentation tank by gravity, where a cold maceration of 48 hours takes place first. Fermentation then starts with indigenous yeasts. During fermentation, gentle remontage and pigeage are used carefully to keep extraction controlled. The wine subsequently ages for 11 months in used 228-liter French oak barrels and 400-liter ceramic tinajas. The final blend consists of 60% ceramic and 40% wood, creating a balance between pure fruit, texture, and subtle structure.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a bright ruby red color. The aroma is expressive and refined, with notes of red fruit, orange peel, floral accents, and a light spiciness. On the palate, the wine is juicy and energetic, with fresh acidity and fine tannins. The style is precise and light-footed without being lean. The finish is long, fresh, and elegant, with great purity.

Style and character

Iraila is a modern, precise Garnacha from Rioja. The wine does not have the heavy, oak-driven profile sometimes encountered, but rather a fresh and refined style. This makes it exciting and gastronomic. The combination of old vine fruit, cool location, and aging in ceramics gives the wine an open and pure expression. Moreover, with a production of only 1,700 bottles, this is a very limited wine.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.