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Featured Wineries
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 Viña IjalbaFounded in 1975 by Mr. Dionisio Ruiz Ijalba, who planted the first vineyard near Logroño. The winery was built in 1991. Vineyards Viña Ijalba has 70 hectares of vineyards that supply the bodega. They are distributed among several districts around Logroño, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, and the Najerilla valley. These vineyards were planted in abandoned open sky mines, on poor sandy, shallow ground. Traditional goblet pruning, low plantation density (3,400 vines per hectare), and no irrigation during the growth cycle ensure high-quality, low-yield production figures (less than 4,500 kilos per hectare). The vineyards are tended according to ecological practices, using only manure for fertilizing while herbicides are replaced by traditional tiling. No synthesized plant protection agents are used. Only traditional Rioja grape varieties are used for the wines with a special emphasis on cultivating varietals such as Graciano and Rivadavia which are rapidly disappearing in favor higher-volume varietals. All fermentation processes are performed at controlled temperatures provided by a state-of-the-art cooling system and the entire vinification process is carried out without the addition of chemical products, other than traditional burnt sulfur, and this is added in minimal quantities. These wines are made with 100% organically grown fruit. Bodega Modern winery design and technology have been combined to produce the highest quality of wines. Equipment includes stainless steel tanks, pneumatic presses, and micro filtration systems complemented by a carefully prepared underground cellar that holds 2,500 barrels made from the best American oak. All fermentation processes are performed at controlled temperatures provided by a state-of-the-art cooling system. The entire vinification process is carried out without the addition of chemical products, other than traditional burnt sulfur, and this is strictly added in optimal quantities. Total production capacity of over 1,000,000 liters. Presentation The great care and concern taken in preparing and ageing the wines is also evident in the presentation and preservation of the wines. Bottle: A specially designed, double-thick bottle manufactured with UV-resistant glass is used to provide better protection for the wine against changes in light, air, and temperature. Cork: Natural, longer, and wider corks are used to further protect the wines. Capsule: Following with the more natural approach to wine making, the capsule is made of ecological tin. Labels and boxes: Special design with printing in inks that are free of heavy metals. Awarded Wine & Spirits International Winery of the Year |