Olivier Rivière

Spain
Written By Le Sommelier
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Olivier Rivière

 
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Cognac-born consultant winemaker and viticulturist Olivier Rivière was lured to Spain in 2004 by Telmo Rodriguez to convert his vineyards to biodynamics. He ended up falling in love with the traditions and grapes of the country, and now farms 25 hectares of owned and contracted vineyards in Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, Rioja Alavesa, and the up and coming DO of Arlanza. He is a terroirist at heart, with a focus on biodynamics honed by time working at Elian da Ros, Domaine de Chassorney, and Domaine Leroy.

AVAILABLE WINES

Featured
Gabaxo
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Gabaxo
from CA$36.00

Olivier Rivière Riviere

Olivier Rivière
Gabaxo

Gabaxo is Olivier’s only wine that blends fruit from a range of sites within Rioja. This is a 60/40 Garnacha / Graciano blend from Rioja Baja and Rioja Alta, fermented in stainless and then rested 9 months in 500L barrels. Gabaxo is a not completely flattering term for a French border jumper – a nickname that Bourgogne-born Olivier embraces with pride. Olivier considers Gabaxo to be his Côte de Nuits version of Rioja. Wild and stony, this fuller, fresher red teems with scrubby herbs, fragrant cherries, and ripe raspberries, all scented with cracked pink peppercorns, and framed with supple, lightly sticky tannins. Easy to enjoy this charmer, especially with herb-grilled veg / meats.

Read about Olivier Rivière here.

Vintage: 2020
Bottle Size: 750 mL
Bottles per Case: 6
Price per Bottle: $36
Style: Still

Region: Rioja
Appellation: Rioja DOCa
Country: Spain

Grape: Garnacha, Graciano
Colour: Red
Vegan: Yes
Organic: No
Biodynamic: Yes
Natural: No
Low Intervention: Yes

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Rayos Uva
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Rayos Uva
from CA$25.00

Olivier Rivière Riviere Rivière

Olivier Rivière
Rayos Uva

Rayos Uva is Olivier’s version of a Bourgogne Rouge, sourced from fruit grown in the sandy, gravelly and alluvial soils of Rioja Baja. This year’s blends biodynamically farmed Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano into a bright, unoaked red for drinking now. This lighter red is perfumed with raspberries, cherries, and ample mineral salts strung across a slender palate. Tannins are long and finely gritty, structuring this for ample food pairing possibilities.

“This is an intriguing, biodynamically farmed blend of tempranillo, garnacha and graciano that has not seen any oak. Yet is behaves like a matured, soft red with more complexity than expected. Expect fine cherry, a hint of rose and a spicy, peppery and slightly earthy undertone. It is light to medium bodied, quite supple and rich, with some warmth. Far more complexity than expected, with very good to excellent length. Tasted April 2024.” - 91 points, David Lawrason, WineAlign.com

“Young, impressionable and wide-eyed Rioja that needs not follow the norm with the blend here being 45 percent tempranillo, (30) graciano and (25) garnacha. Light on its feet, juicy as a freshly made gazpacho and crunchy like a plate of mixed croquetas. Not the most tannic or overtly structured red blend there ever was nor does this appellative Roble Rayos need to be. Labeled simply as Rioja which is the great indicator to say “here are the grapes - enjoy them as they are.” Do it. Drink 2024-2026. Tasted April 2024.” - 91 points, Michael Godel, WineAlign.com

“Here's a lovely, juicy-fruity, modern expression of Rioja with minimal wood impact. A raft of spicy red fruit leads on a slick and supple frame with juicy acids. I like the finesse and purity on offer, the high drinkability and the impressive depth and complexity in the price category. Thoroughly tasty wine, ready to enjoy or hold 2-4 years for a more smouldering and spicy expression. Tasted April 2024.”- 90 points, John Szabo, MS, WineAlign.com

Read about Olivier Rivière here.

Vintage: 2022
Bottle Size: 750 mL
Bottles per Case: 12
Price per Bottle: $25
Style: Still

Region: Rioja
Appellation: Rioja Baja DOCa
Country: Spain

Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano
Colour: Red
Vegan: Yes
Organic: No
Biodynamic: Yes
Natural: No
Low Intervention: Yes

Read more →

Address: Elvillar Errepidea, Nave 29, 01300, Araba, Spain

Website: http://www.olivier-riviere.com/

 

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