José Gil

Rioja, Spain

Photography and writing by Ted Vance.

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Short Summary

Focused on single cru, organically farmed ancient vines grown on calcareous sandstone with variations of silt, sand and clay topsoils at high altitudes in La Rioja Alta, José Gil is a strong influencer among the new generation of Rioja grower-producers. Cellar work is straightforward with destemmed grapes, natural fermentations, gentle extracts, low sulfite levels and aging in used French oak barrels and concrete tanks.

Full Length Story

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The young and open-minded José Gil and his Uruguayan life partner, Vicky, are major influencers in the new generation of Rioja grower-producers focused on single-site, organically farmed wines. Located near Rioja Alta’s famous San Vicente de la Sonsierra, most of the vineyards sit at higher altitudes that stretch the limitations of the region’s naturally long ripening season. Employing straightforward cellar practices with fermentation and aging in small to medium-sized barrels, José’s wines are direct, aromatic, fully flavored and driven by each wine’s terroir. José gives weight to the influence of the surrounding area, mostly from the mountains just to the north, and handles the wines gently to retain the area’s identity beyond the vineyards. The production is miniscule but on the rise.