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Manuel Quintano Rioja El Pionero
Manuel Quintano
Spain - Rioja - Rioja Alavesa

The name of the cuvée El Pionero (The Pioneer) is relatated to the historical journey of Manuel Quintano to Bordeaux.

The wine is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Garnacha, and is aged for 12-14 months in 225 and 500 liter new French oak barrels.

Color: Cherry red with violet trim.
Aroma: Complex and balanced with balsamic notes, cocoa and licorice.
Taste: Friendly and velvety, well structured with balsamic memories.

RS: 1.3 g/L
TA: 5.5

Specifications
Appellation
Rioja Alavesa
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
95% Tempranillo and 5% Garnacha
Age of vines
Average 30 years
Agricultural Practices
Sustainable
Soil type
Chalky sand
Vinification
No irrgation
The harvest is carried out by hand in vineyards in Labastida.
Pre-fermentation cold maceration for 4 days.
The grapes are fermented in small concrete tanks.
The wine is oak aged for 14 months in French oak barrels (225 and 500 liters) with low toast.
The wine is then aged for another year in bottle.
Production
10,000 (9-liter cases)
Pairings

Sausages, Iberian ham, legumes, stewed meats, stews and large game. Appropriate for enjoying quiet lunches and dinners.

Reviews and News

2022 Manuel Quintano Rioja El Pionero - 91 PTS - JS

2022 Manuel Quintano Rioja El Pionero - 91 PTS - JS

james suckling hq logo plain"This has a very elegant nose of cherries, blackberries and spices. The expression is classic Rioja—pure and restrained yet full of fruit. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with fine, precise tannins. Made from pure tempranillo with a small proportion of garnacha, sourced from old vines in Rioja Alavesa. Drink now. - Jacobo García Andrade"

- James Suckling (October 2025), 91 pts

Producer Information: Manuel Quintano

Don Diego Quintano y Quintano was born in Labastida, a village in the very heart of Rioja Alavesa. He returned to Rioja in 1783 and devoted his life to viticulture ...
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