NEW YEAR'S EVE BLIND TASTING: CAN YOU SPOT THE CHAMPAGNE?

NEW YEAR'S EVE BLIND TASTING: CAN YOU SPOT THE CHAMPAGNE?

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Ukan Rioja 2021

Get to know: UKAN Rioja 2021

A serious, small-production Rioja red wine from the limestone-rich vineyards of Rioja Alavesa.

Tasting Note

UKAN Rioja 2021 is an elegant yet powerful red that combines depth, freshness and real precision. Deep ruby in colour, it shows complex aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum, alongside violet, graphite, toasted coconut and subtle spice from French oak. On the palate, this Tempranillo-led Rioja is full-bodied but beautifully balanced, with concentrated dark fruit, savoury undertones and finely grained tannins. It finishes long and structured, with freshness and mineral lift carrying through the finish. A refined, age-worthy Rioja Alavesa red wine that delivers complexity without heaviness.

Top food pairings:

  • Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary
  • Grilled ribeye steak or beef sirloin
  • Slow-cooked aubergine dishes or mushroom-based vegetarian mains
Kate Says

What I really love about UKAN is the confidence behind it. Koldo Eguren and his cousin Eduardo clearly know their vineyards inside out, and it shows in the glass – this is Rioja made with precision, patience and care. It’s powerful without being showy, and exactly the kind of wine you open when you want to slow down and savour something special.

Producer Info

UKAN is the new-generation project of the Eguren family, led by Koldo Eguren, representing the fifth generation of winemakers in Rioja Alavesa. Working from their small winery in Laguardia, UKAN focuses on expressing the region’s diverse old-vine vineyards through sustainable viticulture and meticulous, hands-on winemaking inspired by a Bordeaux-style approach.

How it’s made:

  • Varieties: 100% Tempranillo
  • Hand-harvested from old vineyards across Rioja Alavesa at optimal ripeness
  • Careful double grape selection, including bunch and berry sorting
  • Fermented in small oak and concrete vats, including traditional carbonic maceration
  • Malolactic fermentation and 16 months ageing in new French oak barrels

Good to know:

  • Region: Rioja Alavesa, DOCa Rioja, Spain
  • Style: Red, still, full-bodied
  • Closure: Natural cork
  • Vegan: No
  • ABV: 14.5%
  • Vintage: 2021

Why we love it:

This Rioja Alavesa red wine is all about precision, structure and sense of place. With its old-vine Tempranillo fruit, layered complexity and impressive ageing potential, UKAN Rioja 2021 is a standout choice for lovers of serious, modern Rioja.

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