Alvaro Loza Cien Reales Rioja 2022

93pts Wine AdvocateDrink Date: 2025 - 2032There is a new red, first produced in 2021, from a specific plot in Labastida that was planted 30 years ago with Tempranillo at 530 meters in altitude. It's the 2022 Cien Reales, which fermented with 50% full clusters with 40 days of maceration, then matured in a 225-liter French oak barrel for 16 months. It has a subtle, elegant and harmonious nose, with integrated and imperceptible oak. There's more grip here, but the tannins are very fine and chalky; and the wine is tasty, the tastiness of limestone. Only one barrel (300 bottles) were filled in December 2024. Álvaro Loza started his small project in Rioja in 2019 after extended experience in different parts of the world, Champagne, Tasmania, South Africa... He only produces 3,000 bottles, but volumes will grow a little, as he has started buying some grapes from growers. Published: Feb 27, 2025Vineyard: Cien Reales is the name of the vineyard, located in Labastada at 530 meters above sea leve