El Coto de Rioja – Characterful Rioja from Spain
El Coto de Rioja is one of the best-known wine producers from Rioja, the famous wine region in northern Spain. The winery was founded in 1970 and made its first vintage in the DOCa Rioja in the same year. Since then, El Coto has grown into an important producer of Rioja wines, with a strong focus on consistent quality and good value for money.
An important part of El Coto's philosophy is that the vineyard forms the basis of quality. The winery has approximately 730 hectares of its own vineyards, spread across the different sub-regions of Rioja. This makes El Coto one of the largest vineyard owners within the DOCa Rioja.
Rioja: three areas, one wine region
El Coto's vineyards are spread across different parts of Rioja, including Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental.
These different locations lead to varying conditions. In Rioja Alta, altitude and Atlantic influences play an important role, while Rioja Oriental is warmer and drier. Rioja Alavesa has many chalky soils and vineyards protected by the Sierra de Cantabria.
By using grapes from different areas, El Coto can create wines with a beautiful balance between fruit, freshness, structure, and aging.
Tempranillo as a base
Tempranillo is the most important grape within El Coto's red range. The grape is known for its aromas of red and black fruit, spiciness, and soft tannins, forming the basis of many classic Rioja wines.
In addition to Tempranillo, El Coto also works with Garnacha, Graciano, and Maturana. For white wines, Viura, Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are used, among others.
From Crianza to Reserva
El Coto is best known for its classic Rioja styles, where oak aging and bottle maturation play an important role.
The Crianza undergoes a period of aging in oak barrels, developing notes of vanilla, spices, and toast in addition to fruit. The Reserva ages longer, gaining more complexity and softer tannins.
El Coto has separate cellars for the different aging stages. The red wines are vinified in smaller tanks and then aged in oak barrels.
Not just red
Although Rioja is often primarily associated with red wine, El Coto has invested heavily in white Rioja in recent years.
A special example is Finca Carbonera, El Coto's highest-lying vineyard in Rioja. Its high altitude location is particularly suitable for white grape varieties. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Verdejo, among others, are cultivated here.
El Coto even has a separate winery for white wines and a wine cellar at Finca Carbonera, so that the grapes can be processed close to the vineyard.
Fun fact
El Coto has a vineyard at no less than 840 meters altitude. Finca Carbonera is among the highest-lying vineyards in Rioja, making it particularly suitable for white grape varieties. The large temperature differences between day and night help to preserve freshness and aromas in the grapes.
Discover the wines of El Coto
At Vechtstreek Wijnen, you will find various wines from El Coto de Rioja. From classic Rioja Crianza and Reserva to modern white wines: discover the versatility of one of Rioja's best-known wine producers.