2020 · Ángeles de Amaren

Bodegas Amaren is based in Samaniego, Rioja Alavesa, and forms part of Familia Luis Cañas. Founded by Juan Luis Cañas as a tribute to his mother Ángeles, the estate focuses on expressing the character of old-vine Rioja. Its parcels, including sites in Samaniego and Leza, lie on low-fertility calcareous-clay soils and include vines aged from 35 to 110 years. Viticulture is sustainable and largely manual, avoiding herbicides and aggressive treatments while encouraging biodiversity; some work is carried out with animal traction. Winemaking combines careful grape selection with concrete fermentation tanks and includes limited, site-specific and varietal bottlings. Jon Cañas leads the wines, with particular attention to conserving old vines and revealing the territory’s traditional varieties.