2016 · Ripa Rosado

José Luis Ripa Sáenz de Navarrete runs an independent, family-linked winery in Ollauri, Rioja Alta’s Najerilla Valley, with ties to the historic López de Heredia estate. His roughly one hectare of 30-plus-year-old, bush-pruned vines is marketed as sustainable, although no formal certification is cited. Working under his own label, he destems the grapes, uses saignée, and ferments and ages the wines for 18 months in used 500-litre French oak barrels, with some vintages receiving longer élevage. His philosophy emphasizes the human hand and spirit alongside terroir, inspired by Jean Meyer of Domaine Josmeyer.