Bodegas Bhilar (Rioja)
The wines of Bhilar are undeniably ‘Rioja’ but with a whole lot of terroir-driven, nature-loving soul.
Everyone thought David Sampedro Gil was mad when he began farming biodynamically back in 1999. His overgrown, weed-covered plots looked nothing like those of his neighbours, who were sure that he was smothering them. Yet, in fact, it was all a stage of his plan to revive the overworked land, by eliminating chemicals and reintroducing biodiversity to his vineyards. In 2014, he replaced tractors with horses, reasoning that by using these to travel to his vineyards, he was “able to see the health of the vines, the soils, the ecosystem – whereas riding inside a tractor, you can’t even see the grapes.”
The Bhilar team aim to achieve three things in their wines: a sense of place, definitive character, and – particularly in their Single Vineyard range – provocative expression. Every one of Bhilar’s wines has wonderful elegance, freshness and hints of herbal influence – think thyme, eucalyptus, nutmeg and lavender, with a big hit of Morello cherry. But it’s not just their biodynamically-produced Riojas-with-a-twist that set Bhilar apart. David’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vineyard; the cellar and winery both exclusively use solar power, and are built partially underground to help control temperature.
“The limestone soil, vines, microclimate, and the human element give our wines a unique personality.”
David Sampedro Gil, winemaker
Ezki Wines (Alavesa , Rioja)
THE BODEGA
Llopart is a family-run winery with a long winemaking tradition. The grapes are sourced from their own vineyards in Penedes DO. They make all of their sparkling wines using the traditional method, working to the highest standards. They joined the Corpinnat group in late 2018.
Heredad Can Llopart is the family farm. It is located on a hill with prominent slopes at 340 metres above sea level. The climate in this area has very mild winters, and sunny summers that are not too warm. The mountain range of Montserrat protects the vineyards from the cold northern winds during the winter, making temperatures milder.
LLopart makes all their sparkling wines using the traditional champenoise method,seeking the excellence of all their products from the maximum quality of the raw material, the grape.
After the manual harvest, each variety is vinified individually. When the fermentation has ended, they perform a coupage of the four varieties. Then, they carry out the tirage or bottling with yeast and sugar, so that the wine can carry on to its second fermentation in the bottle. After a minimum of 36 months of ageing, they carry out the disgorgement, with no added liqueur d’expédition.
While this presents an exciting new phase for the estate, the wines really are the star of the show. Beautifully acidic, with white-fleshed fruits and toasted nuts on the palate, they are delicate and creamy expressions of this woefully underrated Spanish wine. Plus with them being 100% certified organic, what’s not to like!
Llopart’S Sparkling wines are extremely elegant, high-quality wines with a very bright pale straw-yellow colour. Very versatile bottle of bubbles, ideal for drinking alone or pairing with any type of dish. It is completely dry, smooth and with pleasant nuances from ageing.
