Bodegas Luis Cañas has been at the heart of Rioja Alavesa since 1928 and is widely regarded as one of the region’s most influential family-run wineries. With vineyards nestled against the Sierra de Cantabria, the estate boasts some of Rioja’s highest-altitude sites, where thin chalky-clay soils and old bush vines produce small, concentrated bunches ideal for crafting complex, age-worthy wines. The estate is celebrated for its exemplary Viñedo Singulares (single-vineyard wines) and for preserving Rioja’s viticultural heritage. Director of viticulture, Rubén Jiménez, has played a pioneering role in identifying outstanding plots and recovering ancient, almost-lost grape varieties, earning him Tim Atkin MW’s Grower of the Year 2023. Today, under the leadership of Juan Luis Cañas and his son, Jon, the bodega continues to combine tradition with innovation, ensuring Rioja Alavesa remains one of Spain’s most exciting wine regions.

Viticulture

The estate controls 350 hectares of vineyards divided into an extraordinary 870 separate plots, each carefully categorised according to its character and potential. All the vineyards are within 3.1 miles of the winery, allowing meticulous control over viticulture and harvest timing. Farming follows rational and, in many cases, organic practices, with a strong emphasis on respecting terroir and preserving biodiversity. Every plot is managed according to its own personality, ensuring only the best grapes are selected for each wine.

Winemaking

On arrival at the bodega, grapes undergo a double sorting process before being de-stemmed and gently crushed. Fermentation is carried out in small stainless steel tanks using a combination of indigenous and selected yeasts, followed by maceration for 20 days at controlled temperatures to maximise colour and aromatic complexity. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in tank. The wine is then aged for 12 months in a mix of 60% French oak and 40% American oak barrels, followed by a further 12 months of bottle ageing to achieve balance, elegance, and longevity.

Tasting Note

Ruby red in colour with a clean, expressive nose of balsamic notes, ripe plum, and subtle oak. On the palate, velvety cherry fruit is layered with spice, liquorice, and hints of eucalyptus. Structured and complex, with smooth, round tannins and lingering red fruit flavours, this Rioja offers both elegance and depth with a savoury, satisfying finish.

Food Matching

Perfect alongside roast duck with a berry glaze, game pie, lamb chops, Lincolnshire sausages with caramelised red onions, porcini risotto, aubergine parmigiana, or Spanish ratatouille.

Awards

• 91 Points – Tim Atkin, Rioja Special Report 2025
  “Fresh, bright and perfumed, showing far less oak than in previous vintages. Tempranillo leads with plum, patisserie spice, and red berry flavours, supported by firm tannins. Impressive quality for the scale of production.” – TA, Feb 2025.

Technical Details

• Varieties: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, Graciano, Rojal & Viura

• Oak Ageing: 12 months in oak + 12 months bottle

• Barrels: 60% French oak, 40% American oak

• % Wine Oaked: 100%

We strive to provide fast and reliable delivery, with Free Express Delivery on orders over £150 (UK Mainland only).

Express Delivery

Orders placed by 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.
Orders placed after 2pm Thursday arrive on Monday.
Orders placed after 2pm Friday arrive on Tuesday.
A signature is required, with GPS-confirmed tracking.
Bank Holidays and seasonal holidays are not considered working days by couriers.

Standard Delivery

Economy (2-3 working days) – Orders placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.

Learn more about our Delivery Service here.