Rioja DOCa

Ukan Rioja DOCa 150 cl

Ukan Rioja DOCa 150 cl from Ukan Winery is a single-varietal Tempranillo from old vines in Laguardia, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. The wine is produced from selected Tempranillo parcels, which are vinified separately and then blended into a precise, structured cuvée. The 2022 vintage combines ripe fruit, fine spice, a clear tannin structure and the freshness of higher-altitude Rioja Alavesa. The grapes are carefully selected, and the wine matures for 16 months in small French oak barriques. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby-red colour. On the nose, aromas of ripe cherries, forest berries, damson preserve and fine spice notes unfold. On the palate, it is structured and persistent, with cherry fruit, compote and toasted aromas, well-integrated barrique influence and a composed balance between fruit, tannins and freshness. The magnum bottle supports slower and more even maturation and is particularly well suited to cellaring, meals with larger groups or refined presentation.

Producer: Ukan Winery

Ukan Winery is located in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa and is a project of the youngest generation of the Eguren family. Koldo Eguren, the fifth generation of the family, runs the winery together with his cousin Eduardo, who serves as winemaker. The project combines the knowledge of previous generations with a younger, internationally influenced perspective on Rioja.

Ukan is a small winery focused on limited quantities and precise vineyard work. Its foundation lies in the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, which are farmed sustainably and organically. In the winery in Laguardia, the wines are made by hand with restrained intervention. The aim is to reflect the landscape of Rioja Alavesa through Tempranillo, selected sites and clear, precise vinification.

Ukan Rioja DOCa 2022 in Detail

Aromas & Character (Bouquet & Palate)

Colour: Deep ruby red.

Aroma: Ripe cherries, forest berries, damson preserve and fine spice notes.

Character: Structured and persistent, with cherry fruit, compote and toasted aromas, well-integrated barrique influence and a composed balance between fruit, tannins and freshness.

Food Pairing & Occasions

Pairs well with: Red meat, game dishes and matured cheese.

Ideal for: Beef, lamb, game, braised dishes, powerful meat dishes, matured cheese, meals with larger groups and relaxed occasions with a structured Tempranillo from Rioja Alavesa.

Packaging & Presentation

Ukan Rioja DOCa 150 cl is offered as a magnum bottle in a 1-bottle original wooden case. The larger format supports slower and more even maturation. The wooden case enhances the refined presentation and is suitable for cellaring, as a gift for special occasions or for meals with larger groups.

Further Recommendations & Categories

Ukan Rioja DOCa is available in the following bottle sizes:

• Ukan Rioja DOCa 75 cl
• Ukan Rioja DOCa 150 cl

FAQ

What stylistically defines Ukan?
Ukan is a single-varietal Tempranillo from old vines in Laguardia. The wine combines ripe cherry fruit, forest berries, fine spice notes, toasted aromas, present tannins and a long finish. It reflects the concentrated, precise style of Rioja Alavesa.

How is Ukan vinified?
Ukan Rioja DOCa matures for 16 months in small French oak barriques. The ageing supports the structure, texture and spice of the Tempranillo without obscuring the fruit and freshness of Rioja Alavesa.

What distinguishes the magnum bottle of Ukan?
With a capacity of 150 cl, the magnum bottle holds twice the volume of a standard bottle. The larger format supports slower and more even maturation and is particularly well suited to cellaring, meals with larger groups or refined presentation.

What role does Tempranillo play in Ukan?
Tempranillo forms 100% of the basis of this wine. The grape variety contributes red and dark fruit, tannin structure, spice and the typical character of Rioja Alavesa. In Laguardia, it shows concentration while remaining fresh and precise.

At what temperature should Ukan be served?
16-18°C is ideal, allowing the cherry fruit, forest berries, damson preserve, spice notes, toasted aromas and tannins to show in balanced expression.

What drinking phase is Ukan 2022 currently in?
Ukan 2022 is currently showing a young, structured phase with further development potential. Fruit, tannins, spice notes and barrique influence are beginning to integrate, while the freshness gives the wine tension and length. It can already be enjoyed now; brief decanting will support its aromatic development. With an ageing potential of up to 15 years, it still has further maturation potential if stored well.

What does Ukan pair best with?
Ukan pairs well with red meat, game dishes and matured cheese. It is also well suited to lamb, beef, braised dishes and powerful meat dishes.

What characterises Rioja Alavesa for Tempranillo?
Rioja Alavesa is characterised by high-altitude sites, calcareous soils and marked temperature differences between day and night. These conditions support Tempranillo with freshness, aromatic precision, tannin structure and good balance.

What is the significance of ageing in French barriques?
The 16 months of ageing in small French barriques support the wine’s structure, texture and spice. The barrique influence complements the fruit and tannins with fine toasted aromas and contributes to Ukan’s ageing potential.

Discover Ukan Rioja DOCa 150 cl

Ukan Rioja DOCa 150 cl from Ukan Winery combines 100% Tempranillo from Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa with ripe cherry fruit, forest berries, damson preserve, fine spice notes, toasted aromas and 16 months of ageing in French barriques. A structured Rioja in a magnum bottle with a 1-bottle original wooden case, pairing well with red meat, game dishes and matured cheese.