La Rioja Alta

Awards & Recognition

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most admired wineries 
Gran Reserva 904 & 890 considered benchmarks for aged Rioja.
Gold medals at international competitions; high critical acclaim globally

About La Rioja Alta

La Rioja Alta is a benchmark Rioja estate located in the historic Barrio de la Estación, Haro. Founded in 1890 by five visionary Riojan and Basque families, including pioneering president Doña Saturnina García Cid y Gárate, it merged with Bodegas Ardanza in 1904 to expand its vineyards and prestige labels like Gran Reserva 890 and 904 (Wikipedia).

The winery covers around 360 ha across Rioja Alta and selects fruit exclusively from estate-owned vineyards planted on calcareous and ferrous clay soils typical of the region (blockcellar.com). Utilizing meticulous hand-harvesting, on-site barrel production, and extended aging regimes in American and French oak, the house style reflects both tradition and refinement, delivering classic, age-worthy Tempranillo-based wines (The Wine Chef).

Recently, sixth-generation Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner was appointed CEO, reinforcing a modern, professional, family-led model 

History

Founding & Early Growth (1890–1904)

Five families established Sociedad Vinícola de La Rioja Alta in Haro’s Station district. The first president was a woman, and their first winemaker was French, producing the inaugural Reserva (now Gran Reserva 890)

Expansion & Iconic Labels (1904–1941)

Merged with Ardanza in 1904, leading to the creation of Gran Reserva 904. By 1941, the winery formalized its current name, establishing Viña Ardanza in 1942

Commitment to Excellence (1941–Present)

Maintains strict quality by releasing only top-vintage Gran Reservas aged extensively in barrel and bottle (The Wine Chef). The house also expanded with Torre de Oña (Rioja Alavesa), Lagar de Cervera (Rías Baixas), and Bodegas Aster (Ribera del Duero)

Modern Leadership (2025)

Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner steps in as CEO, heralding a blend of family legacy and innovation. La Rioja Alta ranks among the world's most admired wineries 

Wine Styles

Red Wines

Focused on traditional Tempranillo blends aged in American oak, with additions of Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha on occasion. Their Gran Reservas embody complexity, firm structure, and evolution. Second-tier Viña Ardanza and Viña Arana offer slightly fresher, earlier-drinking profiles

White Wines

Though primarily a red wine house, La Rioja Alta also produces whites from Viura in its subsidiary bodegas in Rías Baixas, reflecting their broader winemaking philosophy

Wine Portfolio

Gran Reserva 890

Iconic long-aged Tempranillo blend

Blend:

Tempranillo with Graciano & Mazuelo

Awards & Recognition:

Historic top-rated Rioja

Regularly lauded for its elegance and aging

Gran Reserva 904

Rich Tempranillo & Graciano expression

Blend:

~90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano

Awards & Recognition:

Classic Rioja benchmark

Praised for depth and balance

Viña Ardanza Reserva

Elegantly structured mid-weight Rioja

Blend:

Tempranillo with ~20% Garnacha

Awards & Recognition:

Steady high scores and gold medals 

Viña Arana Gran Reserva

Refined blend with Graciano/Mazuelo

Blend:

Tempranillo with Graciano & Mazuelo

Awards & Recognition:

Recognized for complexity and harmony

Did You Know?

The brand names “890” and “904” are derived from 1890 and 1904, with the century dropped so as not to confuse with the vintage labels
The winery only releases its Gran Reservas in exceptional years, often after 6+ years of aging
Bodega is located in Haro’s historic railway district, built to ship wines to France post-phylloxera
Subsidiary estates include Torre de Oña (Rioja Alavesa), Lagar de Cervera (Rías Baixas), and Aster (Ribera del Duero) 
Current CEO Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner represents six generations, marking a professional and innovative direction

Rioja’s Grande Dame of Tradition & Elegance

Quick Facts

Specialty Grapes

Red Varieties

White Varieties

Awards & Recognition

About La Rioja Alta

History

Founding & Early Growth (1890–1904)

Expansion & Iconic Labels (1904–1941)

Commitment to Excellence (1941–Present)

Modern Leadership (2025)

Wine Styles

Red Wines

White Wines

Wine Portfolio

Gran Reserva 890

Gran Reserva 904

Viña Ardanza Reserva

Viña Arana Gran Reserva

Did You Know?

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