Bodegas de Ayala is a profoundly historic family estate whose roots in the picturesque village of Briñas trace back to the eighteenth century. Today, under the guidance of Gonzalo and Ramón de Ayala, the 30-hectare property produces the celebrated Viña Santurnia label. The finest plots, including an exceptional eight-hectare parcel of old vines, are situated just outside Haro near the famous meander of Tondonia. Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria mountains, the vineyards sit right on the dividing line between the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa subregions. This specific, slightly elevated location benefits from constant cooling winds and chalky clay soils, creating a brilliant microclimate that allows the grapes to ripen fully while retaining a fresh, vital natural acidity.
The estate is fiercely dedicated to sustainable viticulture, practising minimal intervention in the vineyards and only treating the vines as an absolute last resort to protect the surrounding ecosystem. This meticulous agricultural care is crucial, as the quality of the raw fruit must be absolutely flawless to withstand the extensive cellar maturation required for their signature styles. The highly organised cellar is a testament to this traditional approach, meticulously housing multiple older vintages as they rest patiently in oak barrels and glass bottles. This unhurried winemaking philosophy ensures the resulting Rioja red wine achieves the perfect balance of structural elegance and deep flavour integration before it ever reaches the market.
Drawing on a winemaking legacy that began in the mid-1800s with founder Tomás de Ayala, the family holds the prestigious honour of being among the very first producers to obtain the official Denomination of Origin for Rioja. Today, the collection offers everyday drinkers a magnificent exploration of classic Spanish winemaking, focusing exclusively on traditional Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva classifications. Driven heavily by the iconic Tempranillo grape, these premium wines deliver rich, complex profiles of dark cherry, dried fig, sweet vanilla, and warm leather. It is a wonderfully authentic and highly reliable portfolio, providing the ultimate accompaniment for slow-roasted lamb, aged cheeses, or hearty weekend dinners.