Montebuena, Rioja 2017

In the mid-1960s, 70% of the winegrowers (175 vintners) decided to join forces and found the Unión de Cosecheros of Labastida, which currently ranks as the largest co-operative winery in the Basque Country, with a production capacity of 7 million litres. Right from the outset, these winegrowers wanted to be involved in the entire process, from cultivating vineyards to barrel-ageing wine to bottling.

The co-op has established its own brands and striven to enhance its facilities, equipping them with the most modern equipment available, as with its stainless steel tanks, a cooling unit for regulating fermentation temperatures and new bottling plant. The ageing of wines has always been one of this winery's passions and primary concerns. At present, the co-op has 6.000 American oak casks in storage, with an average age of five years.

Montebuena is the name of the finest vineyards of La Unión de Cosecheros of Labastida, currently the largest cooperative in Basque country. 100% Tempranillo hand harvested and aged in used American oak.

Vinous 90 Points: "Brilliant deep ruby red color, fruity aromas. Montebuena Red has a spicy vanilla bouquet and is smooth and fruity in the mouth with some well-integrated secondary nuances, full-flavored and a persistent pleasant finish."