Description

A rich, beautifully balanced and fruit-driven blend, with ripe, hedgerow berry flavours layered with aromatic notes of thyme and rosemary. Structured, with chalky fine-grained tannins and a delicate spicy twist on the finish.

The grapes were destemmed and placed into concrete tanks, where spontaneous fermentation took place with native yeasts and without temperature control, allowing the process to occur naturally. Once completed, the wine was pressed and placed into French oak of different capacities where it aged for 14 months.

Bodegas Bhilar Rioja Alavesa Bhilar Tinto 2022

£23.50

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Taste Profile

Dry

Sweet

Light

Complex

Fresh

Oaked

Aromas + Flavours

Red Cherry

Tobacco

Earth

Pairing Suggestions

Tapas

Roast Lamb

Root Vegetables

More Information

Attributes

Type: Red Wine
Style: Smooth and Vibrant Red
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Blend: Tempranillo, Viura, Grenache
Vintage: 2022
ABV: 13.5%
Size: 75cl
Farming: Sustainable
Winemaking: Conventional
Vegan: Certified

Bodegas Bhilar

Bodegas Bhilar is a small, quality-focused winery in Elvillar, Rioja Alavesa, run by David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman. Together, they craft expressive, terroir-driven wines using native grapes, organic and biodynamic practices, and minimal intervention.

David, a native of Elvillar, studied oenology and worked in large Rioja wineries before returning to his roots to establish Bhilar, reflecting his belief that great wine begins in the vineyard. The estate has been farmed organically for over 20 years, biodynamically for 15, and became Demeter certified in 2022. Since 2014, horses have replaced tractors in the vineyard to minimise soil compaction.

Elvillar’s high-altitude vineyards stretch across three valleys between the Sierra Cantabria mountains and the River Ebro. Its poor, rocky limestone soils force vines to grow deep, yielding complex, characterful wines. The region is home to some of Rioja’s oldest vines.

This village wine is made from bush vines nearing 50 years old, dry-farmed in calcareous clay soils, ploughed by horse, and hand-harvested.

In 2020, Tim Atkin MW named Bodegas Bhilar Winemaker of the Year.

Rioja

Rioja, located in northern Spain, is one of the country’s most prestigious and renowned wine regions. The region benefits from a diverse climate with influences from both the Mediterranean and Atlantic, contributing to its varied wine styles.
Famous for its reds, primarily made from Tempranillo, which produce wines known for their depth, rich fruit flavours, and well-integrated oak characteristics, the region also produces notable blends incorporating Garnacha and Graciano. Rioja’s whites, including those from Viura and Malvasía, are celebrated for their freshness, aromatic complexity, and balanced acidity. Historically, Rioja has a winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times. The region gained prominence in the 19th century with the influence of French winemaking techniques, and today it is recognised for its commitment to both traditional and modern practices. Rioja's classification system, including Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, reflects its dedication to quality and aging potential, making it a benchmark for Spanish wine.