Three top bodegas in Haro, La Rioja
El barrio de la estación
Though perhaps not off the beaten track, but just because I love it here the topic for this blog is Haro. This wine town located in La Rioja in Haro’s barrio de la estación is one of the places I always like to visit. Haro is located in the northwest of the wine area called Rioja Alta which is one of the three key zones. Walking from the historic town to the close by estación brings you back in an important part of La Rioja’s wine history or actually Spain’s wine history, as La Rioja has played such an important role throughout many years.
When a railway station was built in this area in the 2nd half of the 19th century, this had a large effect on the ability to transport and export wine in particular to France that was hit by the vine disease phylloxera. To be close to these transport facilities, a number of large wineries choose to locate their bodegas close to the station. Today, for wine lovers this is a wonderful area to visit as some of the best bodegas are only within a short walking distance. Some of the very best wines, with complexity and freshness typical for La Rioja wines can be found here. Not only the wines are worth trying, the architecture also is a good reason to drop by when you are in the region.
Though you will want to explore by yourself, here I will mention three of my favorites.
R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
Lopez de Heredia (cover photo) is situated in a beautiful building and was the first bodega to move here in 1877. A classic bodega with a range of excellent wines in traditional style, wines that can age for years and in my experience always deliver. If you want to try a truly classic white wine matured in oak, try their Viña Gravonia. My personal favorite is Viña Bosconia, a slightly lighter and fresher style in a Burgundy type bottle emphasizing its elegant character.
Bodegas Roda
I had my very first bottle of Roda I in a small local restaurant somewhere in Valencia years ago and I loved it. A great wine in a modern, not overly oaky and balanced style. This bodega is located at the end of the main street in the barrio and offers 4 types of red and since a few years a lovely and exceptional white wine. Their selection starts with the Sela wine that will already reveal the quality of this bodega, up to their top quality Cirsion. And for those with patience…their wines have great aging potential.
La Rioja Alta
Another classic here is La Rioja Alta that moved to the barrio in 1890. Entering the premises of this bodega immediately shows you arrived at a bodega with a long and successful standing with a well maintained and beautiful garden. Their gran reserva wines are famous and exclusive, these wines are highly recommendable if you want to try a top quality, matured Rioja and discover how good and complex this type of wine can be. The good thing is that the quality shows in all price categories, for example their Viña Ardanza that I have had many times and that never disappoints.
Salud!
About Ivan Wines
Spain is home to many beautiful, but also lesser-known quality wines. With Ivan Wines, I focus on discovering and promoting these wines, the makers and the regions. I am a Dutch Registered Vinologist and WSET Level 3 Wines Certified, and I organise tastings and wine tours from Valencia. To subscribe to my newsletter, click the button on this page.
