Vineyards and Climate

Lar de Paula is based in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, about an hour north of Logrono. Sheltered from the Atlantic weather to the north by the mountains of the Sierra Cantabria, this is a cool, high region with good winter rains and no need for irrigation. Although up to seven grape varieties are permitted in Rioja designated wines, by far the most dominant grape variety in the Alavesa is Tempranillo. All of Lar de Paula’s red wines are made exclusively of Tempranillo from vines that range in age from 20 years old up to 65 and over. All fruit is grown on south facing vineyards to maximize sunlight, and the calcerous soils provide acidity for freshness and backbone. Grape parcels are hand harvested and selected in
the vineyards for each wine style and quality required, and then processed in separate batches at the winery.

Lar de Paula’s approach to the winemaking process is quite innovative for Rioja, producing supple, fruit forward wines for early consumption, but which have good aging potential also. With numerous awards at international level, Lar de Paula’s quality is well established, and in 2010 an IWC Gold medal and three trophies for the Cepas Viejas 2005 confirmed their reputation as a world class producer.