# Bodegas Izadi Orben (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Izadi
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Garnacha
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €26
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, violet, toast, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, dried fig

## About this wine

Bodegas Izadi was established in 1987 in Villabuena de Álava by Basque restaurateur Gonzalo Antón, rooted in a commitment to pair fine wine with high gastronomy. Today, under the Artevino Family Wineries group led by his son Lalo Antón, Orben represents a modern approach to Rioja Alavesa terroir. The 2023 vintage marks a historic milestone as the very first vintage certified under Rioja's prestigious Vino de Pueblo (Village Wine) classification, sourced from high-altitude old bush vines planted between 1945 and 1954 in Laguardia.

## Interesting facts

- The 2023 vintage is the first ever certified under Rioja's new 'Vino de Pueblo' (Village Wine) classification.
- Sourced from old bush-trained vines planted between 1945 and 1954 at altitudes up to 725 meters.
- Bodegas Izadi was founded by Basque restaurateur Gonzalo Antón with a focus on high gastronomy.

## Food pairing

Full-bodied red wine with pronounced tannin structure and balanced acidity pairs best with rich protein dishes, dark meats, and savory fats, which soften the tannins and enhance the vibrant fruit intensity.

## Wine making process

Harvesting is completed by hand in 15 kg crates, followed by strict cluster selection. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurs in a combination of stainless steel tanks and new French oak barrels. The wine is aged for 14 months in 50% new and 50% second-fill French oak barrels crafted by cooperages like Taransaud and Darnajau.