Carmen Uriarte

Carmen Uriarte represents a new generation of Rioja Alavesa producers dedicated to preserving the region's historic “Vino de Cosechero” tradition—the grower who farms the vineyards, makes the wine, and bottles it under their own name. While many small family wineries are disappearing, Carmen is helping ensure this centuries-old culture endures.
​
Born in Madrid to a family from Fuenmayor, Carmen studied Agricultural Engineering before earning a Master's degree in Viticulture and Enology. Her career began in the vineyard, working alongside renowned viticulture researcher José Ramón Lisarrague and Julián Palacios' Viticultura Viva, where she developed a deep understanding of organic farming, old vineyards, and the importance of site.

A harvest with the Zuccardi family in Argentina changed everything. It was there that she realized winemaking—not just viticulture—would become her life's work.
Her first wines were made in her parents' garage using borrowed equipment and a few hundred kilograms of grapes. Everything changed when veteran Cosechero Txutxi Muro welcomed her into his cellar in Lapuebla de Labarca. Under his guidance, Carmen learned the traditions of Rioja Alavesa's historic wines. When Muro retired, she chose to continue his work and began bottling the wines under her name.
​
Carmen currently farms 3.5 hectares of old vineyards in Laguardia—five parcels planted in 1920 and one planted in 1994—and rents additional parcels in neighboring La Puebla de la Barcaand Elciego, producing wines rooted in tradition: hand harvesting, whole-cluster semi-carbonic maceration, malolactic and aging in concrete tanks, and gentle extraction. Her goal is not to reinvent these methods but to preserve them while allowing each vineyard to express its own character.

For Carmen, great wine begins long before the harvest. It starts with healthy vineyards, thoughtful farming, and respect for tradition. Her wines capture the freshness, energy, and authenticity of Rioja Alavesa's historic “Vino de Cosechero” culture—wines that speak honestly of their place and the people who care for it.

The Wines
​

Mahaia 95% Tempranillo plus Graciano, Viura, etc...from vineyard parcels ranging from 11 to 83 years old (majority being 30-54) in the villages of Laguardia, Lapuebla de Labarca and Elciego on clay & limestone soils at 400-500m elevation and various expositions. The grapes were hand harvested in late September and undergo whole cluster semi-carbonic maceration in open concrete vats for 7 days. The grapes are then foot-trodden for 3 consecutive days before being racked to concrete tanks for malolactic fermentation and aging before bottling unfined, unfiltered and with a small dose of SO2. A true expression of 0ld-school Rioja Alavesa.

Location

General Info

  • Founded: 2024
  • Region: Rioja Alavesa
  • Town: La Puebla de la Barca
  • Climate: Continental 
  • Soils: Clay-calcareous
  • Farming: Organic
  • Grower: Carmen Uriarte

Tech Sheets

Gallery