The end of the year brings its share of headlines. Yesterday, Gil Berzal, a producer based in Laguardia (Álava), announced its decision to leave the DOCa. Rioja. The reason, according to Saúl Gil Berzal, is "a different approach to the denomination, as opposed to the dominant production-focused model." The decision comes nine years after Artadi's widely-publicised departure from the appellation.
In an official statement, Gil Berzal explained: "Our winery has distinguished itself with a focus that transcends trends and established quality standards, especially those related to ageing times and barrel size, as well as a different approach to winemaking.”
For several years now, Gil Berzal has been making and ageing its wines in large vats and concrete tanks. The winery has also focused on producing village wines and, increasingly, single-vineyard wines that do not conform to the requirements of the official Viñedo Singular classification.
This family-run bodega produces between 50,000 and 70,000 bottles a year, with the majority (70-80%) sold abroad. It owns 18 hectares of certified organic vineyards and does not buy grapes from external sources.
Author
Amaya Cervera
A wine journalist with almost 30 years' experience, she is the founder of the award-winning Spanish Wine Lover website. In 2023, she won the National Gastronomy Award for Gastronomic Communication
