Revolutions are not always noisy or conspicuous; sometimes they are born from the stillness of a vineyard or the serenity of a well-crafted bottle. Richi Arambarri, CEO of Vintae, entered the world of wine with the firm belief that the DOCa. Rioja required a transformation. He broke away from the rigid structures and conventions of tradition to usher in a new Rioja that is more authentic, diverse, and modern. Through projects like Hacienda López de Haro, Richi Arambarri has successfully merged the region's legacy with a fresh perspective that redefines what a Rioja signifies, inviting wine enthusiasts to rediscover the richness of its land and vineyards with a fresh and exhilarating outlook.
With labels that pay homage to Rioja's tradition and an innovative approach that embraces experimentation, the winery has become a benchmark for those seeking to discover a different Rioja with wines like Hacienda López de Haro Blanco Badarán, a blend of the white varieties viura, garnacha blanca, tempranillo blanco, malvasía, and chardonnay. Vines over 80 years old located in the municipality of Badarán, in La Rioja (the label allows you to trace the orography), are organically cultivated and hand-harvested. In the winery, the selected, destemmed, and pressed grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, followed by a 4-month ageing period in oak barrels.
Hacienda López de Haro Blanco Badarán demonstrates that the history of the DOCa. Rioja is not set in stone but written in the soil that nourishes it. A balance between tradition and innovation, showing that the true revolution lies in authenticity, diversity, and a passion for the terroir.