Olivier Rivière "Gabaxo" Rioja 2022

A Rioja blend with a combination of red and dark fruit, spices and violets. Deep ruby color, aromas of red berries and orange blossom. The palate is rich, medium plus intensity of blackberry, black plum, wild strawberry, fresh herbs and violets. Elegant and concentrated, with with spicy mineral notes, a tight acidity, polished tannins and a subtle, nervy edge. Suitable for aging, but very approachable already.

"Gabaxo" is Olivier’s only wine that blends fruit from various sites within Rioja. The Tempranillo (40%) is from Rioja Alavesa, planted on a rocky, clay-limestone soil at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level. The Garnacha (40%) and Graciano (20%) are from two different plots in Cárdenas on red clay at 600 meters. Grapes are hand harvested, left whole cluster and fermented in concrete vats. Aged 12 months in foudre and 500L French Oak Demi muds.

Olivier was born and raised south of Bordeaux, in Cognac. He studied enology in Montagne St-Emilion, focusing on biodynamic farming and cut his teeth working for such luminaries as Domaine de Chassorney, Elian da Ros and Domaine Leroy. In 2004 he was lured into Spain by Telmo Rodriguez to help him convert his vineyards to biodynamics. By 2006 he had started his first project in Rioja.

Nearly all of Olivier’s vineyard sources – whether owned or leased – are farmed organically with biodynamic practices. The fruit is harvested by hand, and each variety is fermented separately. Depending on the source, it may be partially destemmed or fermented whole cluster. Fermentations are with indigenous yeasts. Macerations are gentle and short. Aging takes place in stainless steel or cement tanks, foudre, and barrel. SO2 is kept to a minimum, usually added only before bottling.

"Gabaxo," a Spanish slang term primarily used as a colloquial, often pejorative, label for foreigners, is a not wholly flattering term for a French border jumper, but it's a nickname that Olivier embraces with pride. Olivier considers Gabaxo to be equivalent to a Côte de Nuits version of Rioja.