Área Pequeña
Viticultores
In the historic heart of Rioja Alavesa, where limestone soils meet a unique micro‑climate and centuries of winemaking tradition, two brothers - Joseba and Koldo García Quintana - are quietly building something remarkable. Their project, Área Pequeña Viticultores, takes its name from the idea that great things can come from the small and the humble: a “small area” within Spain’s most celebrated wine region, producing wines of precision, balance, and genuine place.
The People Behind the Wine
Joseba and Koldo García are third‑generation viticulturists deeply rooted in the vineyards of Labastida. They grew up among vines and barrels, learning from family and neighbours alike, and in 2020 they took the decisive step of creating their own label, committing themselves fully to cultivating fruit and making wine that speaks of its origins and character. With youthful energy and deep respect for tradition, they manage every part of the work - from pruning the vineyard to harvesting by hand - with the patience and attention to detail that defines Área Pequeña.
Their approach is both thoughtful and personal: they value small, high‑quality production over scale, and strive for wines that are expressive, honest, and timeless.
Labastida - A Land of Vine and Wine
Labastida stands at the edge of the Sierra de Cantabria, where cool Atlantic breezes meet sun‑soaked slopes and limestone‑rich soils. This confluence creates a singular environment for viticulture, one of Rioja Alavesa’s most revered sub‑regions. Vines here showcase structural balance, refined acidity, and radiant fruit - characteristics that are woven into every wine from Área Pequeña.
The brothers work with vineyards planted decades ago, some on land their family has farmed for generations, bringing forward the character of each parcel into the bottle.
García Quintana
García Quintana is sourced from meticulously selected old family vineyards, capturing the essence of Rioja Alavesa in every bottle. Crafted from 60% Tempranillo and 40% Garnacha, this wine showcases the distinctive limestone soils and unique microclimate of the region, offering a genuine sense of place.
Winemaking Approach
Hand‑harvested grapes are fermented naturally in stainless steel tanks, with gentle daily punch‑downs to ensure optimal extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel and 500‑litre French oak barrels, striking a perfect balance between structure and freshness.
Tasting Profile
García Quintana presents a vibrant cherry color with exceptional clarity. The nose is bright and inviting, revealing fresh red fruit and delicate floral notes. On the palate, the wine is expressive, balanced, and lively, culminating in a clean, elegant finish that highlights the character of the vineyards.
Los Llanos
Los Llanos is crafted from carefully selected parcels in Labastida, designed to express both elegance and vitality. The vineyards’ limestone-rich soils and optimal sun exposure give the wine clarity, structure, and a refined personality.
Winemaking Approach
Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented using traditional methods in stainless steel, with gentle punch-downs to preserve aromatic complexity. The wine is matured in a combination of stainless steel and medium‑sized French oak barrels, enhancing texture and balance while maintaining freshness.
Tasting Profile
Los Llanos shows bright ruby hues and a luminous clarity. On the nose, it offers ripe red fruit with subtle spice and floral undertones. The palate is balanced and expressive, with fine tannins and a long, harmonious finish that highlights the unique character of Labastida.
Makarralde
Makarralde is an exceptional white wine, made from old Viura vines in Labastida. Its production emphasizes freshness, precision, and the natural expression of the vineyard, creating a wine of vibrancy and clarity.
Winemaking Approach
Grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness and fermented in stainless steel to preserve aromatic purity. Minimal intervention ensures the wine reflects the fresh, limestone-rich soils and the microclimate of the region.
Tasting Profile
Makarralde displays a pale golden hue and bright, crystalline clarity. The bouquet is lively, with notes of citrus, white flowers, and subtle mineral undertones. On the palate, it is crisp, elegant, and refreshing, with a clean finish that showcases the vineyards’ character.
Garnacha
Área Pequeña Garnacha comes from select Garnacha vineyards, delivering a wine that is bright, aromatic, and expressive, while staying true to the varietal’s distinctive personality.
Winemaking Approach
Grapes are carefully harvested by hand and fermented with gentle techniques to retain the fruit’s vibrancy. Aging takes place in a combination of stainless steel and large-format oak, balancing freshness with subtle structural depth.
Tasting Profile
Garnacha exhibits a lively ruby color with transparency and brilliance. Aromas of ripe red berries, spice, and delicate floral notes lead into a palate that is vibrant, approachable, and layered, culminating in a clean, refreshing finish.
