Skip to content
Case & Cork

Producer Rioja, Spain

Izadi

Izadi means 'nature' in Basque. Gonzalo Antón founded the winery in 1987, aged 37, to make modern, scented Rioja that is good with food. His son Lalo now runs it with the family, who also own the Michelin-starred Zaldiaran restaurant in Vitoria.

Winery at Villabuena, Rioja.

The winery is in the village of Villabuena. This is Rioja Alavesa, the region's highest corner, at 400 to 600 metres. Izadi own 178 hectares and buy from another 108, with old vines averaging 45 years. Nights here can be up to 20°C cooler than the days, which helps the grapes build their aromas.

Most of the vines are old bush-trained Tempranillo on white chalky soils. The winery is built into a steep slope so the wine can move by gravity rather than pumps, and Izadi is certified for its work on sustainability.

Izadi wines