Bodegas Ontañón is a fifth-generation family estate with deep roots in Quel, in the Rioja Oriental. Gabriel Pérez Cuevas began bottling wine from the family’s vineyards in the early 1980s rather than selling the fruit, determined to produce wines that embodied the character of this part of Rioja. Today his children Raquel, Rubén, and María continue that tradition. The Antología is the estate’s flagship expression — a selection of grapes from the 40 best plots across 6 separate vineyards around the town of Quel, harvested by hand and transported in small boxes to the winery where they are kept cool before hand selection.
About This Wine
As the name suggests, the Antología is a curated selection of the very best the estate has to offer. After fermentation the wine rests in open oak vats through malolactic fermentation, then ages for 12 months in new French oak barrels — a process that adds depth and spice while preserving the vibrant fruit character of Rioja Oriental Tempranillo and Graciano.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Layers of cherry red with purple tints that denote youth
Nose: Blackberries, blackcurrants, and cherries with spicy and roasted notes from the oak ageing
Palate: An explosion of flavour — rich and round with a tart cherry dryness and medium tannins
Finish: Dry and persistent with lingering dark fruit and spice
Food Pairing
A wine built for the table — the medium tannins and tart cherry dryness make it an excellent match for lamb, grilled meats, roast pork, and aged cheeses.
Details
Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano
Region: Rioja, Spain
Farming: Organic, Vegan
Style: Fuller Flavour Red
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle: 75cl
Drink: In the next four years
The winery is a small winery owned and operated by the Navajas family. The wines are made by Antonio who built the original winery in 1983. Merche, his daughter is in charge of exports and Magda, Antonio's wife runs the winery operations. A real family affair.
Bodegas Navajas believes that the quality of the wine begins in the vineyards and for this reason they monitor and control the vineyards which belong to their growers in the Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja.
Bodegas Navajas Crianza Bianco Rioja Alta, Spain1 x 75clFor many, the wines of Rioja mean red wine. However the white grape viura is widely planted here and it creates stunning whites with great acidity and potential for taking on some oak. This is gently oaked and it is rich and vibrant. The oak offers subtle flavours that combine with the fresh fruits to create a wine with harmonious balance.
Bodegas Navajas TintoRioja Alta, Spain1 x 75clA red with no oak - Just wonderful upfront, vibrant and fresh tempranillo fruits. It is vibrant and lively and will work wonderfully with and without food.