QUADERNA VIA, Estella, Navarra
SPAIN


Just outside Estella lie the breath-taking 65 hectares of vineyards of Quaderna Via, which are opposite the Monasterio de Irache (below). This latter is a halt on the 'Camino de Santiago' towards Compostela in Galicia.
Here an impressive new Bodega is being built to match the quality and wine-making reputation of the two Ripa Zudaire brothers, Paul and Jorge. They produce award winning wines like the delicious Especial, a blend of 90% Tempranillo with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and given a few months in oak to create a beautiful, creamy red wine in a semi-Crianza style.

Much as we like the Especial, the Crianzas are even better. At the 2004 trade fair in Narbonne, the Tempranillo Crianza was the first wine we tasted and it spoiled us for the rest of the day (at least until we reached Mas Estela at the very end and tasted their latest Vinya Selva de Mar - ask for details!). It has the classic integrated blend of silky fruit and creamy oak. We know there are good Rioja Crianzas out there, but doubt if any are better at this price.

The Cabernet, too, is well made and has balanced blackcurrant fruit and creamy oak which always makes me think of blackcurrant and apple crumble with custard!

For more information about this vineyard, the wines and prices, or if you would like to purchase some of this wine, please complete our on-line enquiry form