“In 1987 we let ourselves be trapped by this rugged terrain, old vineyards sheltered by the cold extremes of the Sierra de Cantabria in (Rioja Alavesa), facing South, with the Sun as the best ally, a unique and privileged environment where to create Bodegas Zugober.”

Since their very beginning, Maria Isabel and Eduardo Palma strived to bring to La Rioja Alevesa the innovative techniques they learned while studying abroad, in a time when the labels Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva had lost most of its original sense. Their son Manuel is now following in his parent’s footsteps to take over the business.

The 20 hectares of vineyard parcels are set 340-600m above sea level, in the Rioja Alavesa, one of the key sub-regions of Rioja, known for its quality. Here, the land’s altitude mitigates the temperatures in the warm region and imparts elegance and finesse to the wines. The majority of grapes grown across these vineyards are Tempranillo, the rest Graciano, Mazuelo, (indigenous grapes) and a small percentage of Petit Verdot, Garnacha, Viura and Chardonnay; all are hand-picked and carefully selected.

The wines, nicknamed ‘Belezos’ by the founders (an old Spanish term used to describe the tools used for the harvest), are said to have their own unique personalities, inspired by the soul and passion of the family.