Riviere, Olivier

• Olivier Rivière, a native of Cognac (!), studied enology in St-Emilion, worked briefly at several estates in the Languedoc, then at Domaine Leroy in Vosne-Romanée. His main interest there was to learn about biodynamic methods.  • Olivier began working in Ribera del Duero with Telmo Rodriguez and in 2004, Olivier took a job with an estate in Rioja Alavesa to convert its vines to biodynamic viticulture. Olivier decided to stay in Rioja and started looking for vines tended organically, with the goal to buy grapes. He found a grower in the tiny village of Cárdenas, and bought and vinified his grapes. He was able to rent a 1.20HA plot from another person, and had his first harvest in 2006.  • Rayos Uva is a blend of 65% Tempranillo, 30% Graciano and 5% old vines Garnacha, all from high altitude vineyards planted largely on limestone soils. • The wines are aged in a mixture of vat and barrel with the end result being a fresh and bright style of Rioja that is distinct from many of the wines available in the region.

Wines

• Rioja Tinto Gabacho 2010
• Rioja Tinto Rayos Uva 2010