Bodegas Exopto Rioja

Alavesa - A new star at brilliant prices

Rioja is a happening place. A new generation of growers and wine makers have moved on from stylistic debates and got down to the business of making the finest Rioja possible from their respective zones. We already work with one of the finest of the ‘new wave’ producers in Valenciso who produce a prestige, single vineyard wine that is matured exclusively in French oak (and is all the better for it). Yet we have long felt that we had room in the portfolio for a value priced Rioja offering if only we could find a ‘value’ producer whose wines truly moved us. So when a good friend (and renowned Spanish wine writer) suggested we take a look at Bodegas Exopto, we quickly made contact.

Initially we requested samples and were subsequently floored by the wines (and the prices). Then when we visited the Bodegas, the quality all made sense. All the key ingredients were there: outstanding, cool vineyards on rocky soils, very old vines, low yields (yes, at these prices!), a terrific little winery replete with new cement tanks and large format oak and a passionate winemaker/owner, Tom Puyaubert who clearly understands... read more