A New Voice in Rioja Alavesa
Oxer Bastegieta is one of the most exciting names to emerge from Rioja in recent years. Originally from the Basque Country, his journey into wine began relatively late, yet his impact has been immediate. Since settling in Rioja Alavesa, he has built a reputation for crafting wines that challenge convention while remaining deeply rooted in place.
Rioja Alavesa itself provides the perfect setting for this approach. More elevated and Atlantic-influenced than other parts of Rioja, it offers cooler conditions, significant diurnal shifts, and a wealth of old vineyards. These factors combine to produce wines with freshness, aromatic lift, and structural precision, qualities that sit at the core of Oxer’s style.
Old Vines and Living Vineyards
At the heart of Oxer’s work is a relentless focus on old vine material. Many of his plots are historic bush vines, often over a century old, sourced from small parcels across Rioja Alavesa, Bizkaia and Toro. As these vineyards become available, he has steadily expanded his holdings, reinvesting into land rather than scale.
His farming is guided by regenerative principles. While not formally certified, the vineyards are worked organically, with intervention kept to an absolute minimum. The aim is to create a balanced ecosystem where vines coexist with surrounding flora and fauna. These are living vineyards, full of biodiversity, where healthy soils and low yields translate into wines of depth and clarity.
A Thoughtful Approach to Winemaking
In the cellar, the philosophy is one of restraint and precision. Grapes are harvested relatively early to preserve natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. Fermentations are often carried out with whole bunches, depending on the parcel, adding structure and aromatic complexity.
Ageing takes place across a wide range of vessels, including large oak casks, concrete eggs, amphorae and stainless steel. New oak plays a minimal role, allowing the character of the vineyard and grape varieties to take centre stage. The result is a portfolio of wines that feel vibrant, textural and finely detailed, rather than heavy or dominated by winemaking.
A Range Defined by Character and Rarity
Oxer’s wines are produced in very small quantities, often just a few thousand bottles per cuvée. Each wine offers a distinct expression of site and variety, from the freshness of his whites to the depth and structure of his reds. Across the range, there is a clear thread of energy, salinity and precision.
Critics have taken note. Luis Gutiérrez has consistently praised Oxer’s work, highlighting both the individuality of the wines and their growing significance within modern Spanish winemaking. With each release, the range continues to evolve, yet the core philosophy remains unchanged.
These are wines that capture both the heritage of the region and its future direction, crafted with intent, individuality and a clear sense of place.
