51 products
51 products
- Red Wine
- Graciano, Grenache, Tempranillo
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodegas Exopto
Exopto is Latin for “to long for” or “to desire greatly” and it is the dream of Frenchman Tom Puyaubert and his family to endeavor to craft and assemble wines where the whole adds up to more than the sum of their parts. Tom relocated from France to Rioja in 2000 after falling in love with the region and working for the French cooperage Saury as its Spain representative.
When Tom began Exopto, he wanted to do a project that produced wines within this historical context of Rioja - combining both worlds in a unique way. His idea is to remain true to the blending of the principle grape varieties and to do so from the best terroirs/villages for those varieties crossing sub-regions of Rioja. Each wine though, has a majority of a different principle grape – showcasing that variety specifically within the context of a blend. The viticulture and winemaking model is that of the “vigneron” days – small plots of vines in the extremes, wild yeast fermentation in concrete or old oak vats and then aging in a way to showcase the fruit, minerality and terroir not the wood or aged flavours that people often associate with Rioja.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
92 points - Sara d'Amato
Peppery, fresh, and modern - a result of a project to recover old bush vines on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria and Monte Yerga at over 1,800 feet in elevation. A blend of garnacha, tempranillo, and graciano aged in concrete for 8 months in order to preserve it primary varietal character and a distinctive sense of place. Peppery rotundone permeates the palate of this aromatically engaging wine that proves a lot less heavy and tannic on the palate than the 14.5% belies. Relatively supple yet mineral with juicy acidity that lends definition. Notably well balanced with excellent length. Tasted May 2026.
91 points - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
This is an unusual Rioja, in the most wonderful way. It is a blend led by garnacha with 30% tempranillo and 5% graciano. Fruit for this wine was sourced from old bush vines growing on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria and Monte Yerga, at over 1600 feet. This wine was aged for 8 months in concrete. It is not especially expressive aromatically, but it blossoms on the palate, revealing delightful petals of flavour - ripe red plums and dark cherries, violets, black pepper, and lots of herbs. I like the simple charm of this wine, it's the focus and minimalism. The palate is medium bodied and tender, with a pleasing impression of sweetness, fine-grained tannins, and fresh acidity. The finish is long-lasting and bright. Tasted May 2026.
90 points - David Lawrason
Here's a very lively, fruit driven tempranillo that displays the simple heart of Rioja. The nose uplifts with cherry all the way, plus hints of tobacco, earth and spice. It is medium weight, fleshy, open, warm (14%) and juicy with gritty/sandy tannin. The length is very good. Rioja unadorned and quite charming. Chillable. Tasted May 2026
90 points - John Szabo, MS
Here's a pleasantly juicy-fruity, oak-free Rioja in a modern guise, highly drinkable and contemporary, a garnacha-led blend with tempranillo and graciano sourced across sub-regions — old-vine garnacha from sandy plots at Alfaro/Monte Yerga, tempranillo from Ábalos, graciano for finesse — fermented with native yeasts and aged six months in concrete and large 5,000L oak vats, with a touch of semi-carbonic for buoyancy. I appreciate the zesty, lively palate, brimming with fruit and spice, and the fine-grained but properly sandy tannins. Length, too, is solid. Attractive and pretty much ready to enjoy even if there's no rush. Tasted May 2026.
- Red Wine
- Grenache
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pago Aylés
Pago Aylés was founded by Federico Ramón, who in 2003 began his dream of classifying this unique land as the first Vino de Pago in the Aragon region. In the Spanish wine quality pyramid, the Pago stands as a top tier or grand cru winery. Just before Federico died, his dream came true in 2010, as Aylés became the 10th Vino de Pago in Spain.
Today his three children continue to produce wines from this special land. The vineyard site has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the 12th century by Spanish monks. Influenced by the River Huerva and the Monte San Pablo mountain, the soil is a mixture of clay, limestone and chalk – ideal for making high-quality wine. Caves, ravines and old river beds can be found all over the estate, which is brimming with wildlife.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Unexpected would indicate that strange things are forecast to occur but this garnacha from the large and historical Finca Aylés estate in Cariñena pretty much does the expected. Delivers dark varietal fruit with a mineral streak as salty as it is firm. Crunchy garnacha, full bodied and flavoured for the foreseen and well, expected. Garnacha of empowerment, helping consumers trust themselves and their palates and opinions, ultimately enabling them to confidently make wine purchasing decisions. Drink 2025-2027. Tasted March 2025.
90 points - David Lawrason
From a large and distinguished vineyard, this is a very smart and delicious garnacha. The ripe sweet almost candied nose black cherry, pomegranate juice is also quite floral. Oak is nicely in the background with a hint of mocha and spice. It is quite full bodied and rounded, but also has enough warmth and acidity to give it a sense of freshness and stability. The length is excellent. Might be a bit confected for some. Chill a bit. Last tasted Jan 2026
90 points - Megha Jandhyala, S.J.D., DipWSET.
This vegan garnacha from Aragón is almost lavishly fruity, with an engaging array of red fruit, some lightly candied. Undertones of woody spices and violet petals add to its appeal. The palate is supple, with juicy acidity, subtle warmth, and a gentle viscosity that lends it a sense of fullness. I really like the woody herbal note that lingers on the long finish. Bold, easy-to-like, and full of varietal character, this garnacha should ideally be enjoyed over the next year or so. Tasted January 2026.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A full-throttle yet effortlessly pleasing and typical garnacha. White pepper, violets, strawberry, and black currant lead the charge. Clean, stylish, and modern, with a mouthwatering degree of juiciness. At 13.5% alcohol, it sits on the moderate end for the variety, making it notably more food-friendly than the norm. The spice profile is clearly grape-driven, with little to no influence from oak. Tasted January 2026.
- Red Wine
- Grenache
- Natural, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.8% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodegas Puiggròs
Since 1843, the Puiggros family has been producing wines from their own vines in the Odena region of Catalunya for the family and close friends. Over generations they had come to realize that their vineyards and techniques were something worth sharing with the world. A sincere dedication to the terroir in their zone and the indigenous varieties that grow there, allows them to constantly discover ways to unlock all of the magic that lies within their land.
Starting with conscious and clean farming in the vineyard, they hand-harvest only the best fruit for their production, and ferment each vineyard separately in varying vessels to accentuate what the vines have to show; some in stainless steel, and many in clay amphora of differing sizes. All the while seeing very little sulfur use (if any) until bottling. Puiggros is pushing the quality of northeastern Spain's wines forward, and doing so in a clean and unique way.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 points - David Lawrason
Exedra Negre is 100% Garnatxa (Catalan for grenache) planted on limestone and clay soils at 500 meters. Part is fermented in large concrete, part in amphora. It pours fairly pale but bright ruby. The aromas are classic grenache strawberry jam with fine, subtle array of tobacco, pepper and herbs in the background. It is medium weight, fresh, balanced and almost refined - not really showing its 14.5% alcohol except for a slight kirsch flavour to the fruit on the finish. The length is excellent. Chill a bit. Tasted January 2026.
91 points - Michael Godel
Warm vintage for garnatxa aged in clay-pot (amphora) from Odena’s limestone and clay soils at 500m in the shadow of the Montserrat massif. Consistent sweet red candied fruit aroma, always alluring and quite naturally so. The amphora does not take over the character but seems to simply allow the land to do the talking. Drink 2026-2029. Tasted January 2026.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
Pure grenache vinified and aged in amphora, the wine shows oxidative aromatics, candied/dried fruit and shoe polish, more advanced than one would hope for at this relatively young age. The palate is nonetheless, silky-smooth and broadly appealing, soft and round as it is, generous without heaviness. I like the saline nature that encourages another sip and brings the fruit and wild herb flavours into sharper relief. Acids are equally helpful in framing the ensemble. In the end it works nicely; drink over the near term to capture the fading freshness. Tasted January 2026.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Samso / Carignan, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Andre Aubert
At the very heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar. The chances are you haven’t heard the name before, few people have, but the wines are worth seeking out. It’s not a new wine region – vines have been planted here since around 500BC but it is a new name (formerly known as Côteaux-du-Tricastin). Domaine André Aubert, has been formed over decades and today comprises of more than 280 hectares spread from north to south of the prestigious Southern Rhone Valley on the appellations Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône villages, Visan, and Grignan-les-Adhémar.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - David Lawrason
Huge value in a very stylish, pure and correct southern Rhone blend from a region in the north of the region. This shows a lovely, generous sweet strawberry/cherry nose with vanillin/nougat, red rose fine tobacco/dried herbs. It is medium weight, open knit, smooth and almost a touch sweet with very fine chalky tannin. Great fruit presence and warmth make this so appealing. And the length is excellent. Tasted May 2026.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
The Auberts farm 280 hectares throughout the southern Rhône, this northerly appellation of Grignan-les-Adémar is the family's home base and they are considered pioneers in the region. The 2022 Le Devoy is a blend of grenache (40%), syrah (40%) and carignan (20%) whose vines average 40-years of age on galets roulés, is matured in cement vats. Its oak-free flavour profile highlights youthful fruit, pepper, and garrigue from this windswept appellation. Concentration is notable and the tannins are firm and linear. Excellent length. Best 2026-2029. Tasted April 2026.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Samso / Carignan, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Clos del Rey
In the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains, not far from the Mediterranean sea, Clos del Rey is situated in the high altitude hills over the tiny village of Maury. The estate has been owned and farmed by the Montagne family for generations. The vineyard itself is nestled among a protected area of garrigues (rosemary and thyme). The vines of up to 120 years old are allowed to grow natural and untrained, in the old-fashioned way, known as the goblet or bush style. However, it is what lies beneath the vineyard that lends much of the character and complexity found in their wines. Julien Montagne makes complex wines that truly represent his vineyards and his Catalan roots--you can almost smell the sun in the glass.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
92 points - David Lawrason
This sports a very pretty, lifted nose plum, cranberry and blackberry, with lifted lilac florals and a subtext of pepper. It is quite lively, refined and energized for the genre from the south of France, perhaps due to the schist and limestone soils in Maury (which is more famous for its sweet vins doux natural. This is almost silky texture with 14.5% abv heat and fine, drying tannin and minerality on the finish. The length is excellent. Drinks now. Tasted Feb 2026
92 points - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
A classic red from Maury, an appellation in Rousillon, this is a blend of grenache, samsó (a.k.a carignan), and syrah. I find its flavour profile enchanting - it is vibrant and vivid, showcasing both generosity and poise. Resinous herbs, some fresh, some gently roasted, and wild flowers are juxtaposed with ripe fruit flavours, including plums and blueberries. The palate is voluptuous, warm, and dense, supported by firm acidity and fine-grained tannins. The long, flavourful finish features a botanical bitterness, while warmth diffuses over the palate. Tasted February 2026.
91 points - Michael Godel
The black schist at 200m of elevation looking up at Maury with soils edging and abutting a line of limestone work to build character and Roussillon expression for grenache noir, carignan and syrah. A well developed style with chewy fruit maturity in a vintage more black olive Mediterranean than some others. Amaro herbal, always liquorice, saline and schisty-fine. Drink 2026-2029. Tasted February 2026.