Summary
Ostatu is owned and operated by the Sáenz de Samaniego family who have been dedicated to viticulture in the Rioja region for generations. They are well known throughout the area for their exceptional old vineyards, which are managed by Gonzalo with his brothers Iñigo and Ernesto. Ostatu farms 36 hectares of vineyards, divided into 50 micro plots, spread across the Rioja Alavesa villages of Samaniego, Leza, and Laguardia. Tempranillo dominates the blend, but they also grow graciano, mazuelo, garnacha, viura, and malvasia.
Ostatu is “Rioja mountain wine,” meaning their vineyards are located between 450-650m in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range, where they are protected from the cold northern wind. Soil composition here is a deep calcareous clay and the average age of the vines is 50 years, with many vineyards being much older. The poor soils and the unique location at the foot of this mountain range together create a special microclimate that is ideal for tempranillo grapes to have a long maturation, developing complex aromas and flavors.
Ostatu’s work philosophy is based on respect for the land and are a faithful reflection of the vineyards and the influence exerted by the microclimate of Rioja Alavesa and soils on which they are settled.
