5 editor-picked estates growing Malvasia Riojana in Rioja.
Where to taste Malvasia Riojana in Rioja: the estates that grow it, how the region expresses the grape, and how to book a visit.
The most traditional house in Rioja, founded in 1877 in Haro and still run by the founding family, famous for decade-long barrel ageing of Vina Tondonia reds, whites and rosados.
Tasting: Tours of the historic cellars and the Zaha Hadid-designed pavilion shop with tastings of Vina Tondonia and Vina Bosconia; by reservation.
A family house founded in 1932 in the Barrio de la Estacion at Haro, one of the last bodegas with its own cooperage, making Prado Enea Gran Reserva and the modern Torre Muga and Aro.
Tasting: Guided cellar tours showing the in-house cooperage, with tastings of Prado Enea, Torre Muga and Aro; also a wine bar and balloon rides.
A meticulous Samaniego estate founded in 1989, known for selecting only the shoulders of each bunch, producing structured Reserva, Gran Reserva and the cult Trasnocho.
Tasting: Tours showing the estate's grape-selection and shoulder-bunch method, with tastings of the Reserva and Gran Reserva; by reservation.
A grower-family bodega at Samaniego in Rioja Alavesa, producing fresh estate reds and whites and the old-vine Gloria de Ostatu from a single plot.
Tasting: Family-run tours and tastings at Samaniego, including the Gloria de Ostatu old-vine selection; by reservation.
A quality-driven estate at Briones founded in 1995 by Miguel Angel de Gregorio, making the Allende red and white plus the prestige Aurus and the old-vine Calvario.
Tasting: Tours of the cellar in the historic Palacio de Ibarra at Briones, with tastings of Allende, Aurus and Calvario; by reservation.