Viña Ijalba
A Modern Rioja Classic Rooted in History
Just a short 15‑minute walk from the edge of Logroño sits Viña Ijalba, a 35‑year‑old family winery founded by Dionisio Ruiz Ijalba. With a name like that, I suspected the wines would have personality — and they do. Built atop an old rock quarry, the estate houses the production facility, offices, visitor center, and tasting rooms, all reflecting the winery’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Viña Ijalba has become a leader in recovering nearly lost native Rioja varieties such as Viura, Graciano, and Maturana. Their wines are produced organically and aged in new French, American, or Austrian oak, resulting in bottlings that feel both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern.
A Camino Reward
After completing a partial six‑day stretch of the Camino de Santiago, my group of four settled into Logroño for a well‑earned rest. I booked our winery tour, and we marched the 20 minutes from our hotel to the bodega in the baking sun, buoyed by anticipation.
We were welcomed by Sarah, our warm and knowledgeable guide, who shared the winery’s history, philosophy, and production methods. Her enthusiasm made the experience feel personal and grounded in the region’s culture.
Viña Ijalba produces young wines, aged wines, and single‑varietal bottlings. Two stood out so strongly — Blanco Crianza and Graciano — that I joined their club and shipped a case home.
I am thankful to Viña Ijalba for the lesson and introduction to Rioja wines and classical varietals.
Blanco Crianza 2023
Authenticity and character
Crafted from Viura (50%), Maturana Blanca (30%), and Tempranillo Blanco (20%), this dry white is sourced from vineyards in Villamediana de Iregua and Logroño. It’s fresh, structured, and beautifully textured. Eight months in French oak on fine lees adds complexity, volume, and a silky mouthfeel.
If you enjoy Bourgogne Blanc or Oregon Chardonnay, this elegant white Rioja will feel instantly familiar yet intriguingly different.
Pairing: A semi‑cured Idiazabal sheep’s milk cheese is ideal. Its gentle smokiness and nutty richness echo the wine’s barrel‑aged depth.
A Rioja white with the soul of a red: sophisticated, food‑friendly, and possessing extraordinary aging potential.
Graciano 2023
The Charm of Rioja
This 100% Graciano is fermented in oak vats for 10 days and aged for 10 months in new French oak. The result is a vibrant, aromatic red with pronounced cherry and dark berry notes. The winery highlights hints of Patxaran, the Basque sloe‑berry liqueur, adding a regional touch to the profile.
Pairing: Strong cheeses, red meats, or tuna complement its structure and intensity.