Ostatu Rioja Rosado '25

One of the finest producers of small-production, place-based Rioja, Ostatu is a family winery located in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, in the town of Samaniego, where it traces its history back 250 years. More specifically, Ostatu is housed in an 18th-century structure in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria range, a former country inn—or hostel, offering hospitality, which is the origin of the name Ostatu—where travelers would stop for nourishment and rest on their way across the mountainous Basque Country.

The Sáenz de Samaniego family has been farming in the area since the 16th century—for so many generations, in fact, that their family name and the village’s name are the same. The winery has been growing grapes for over 250 years, and after realizing the exceptional quality and potential of the vineyards through a friendship with Hubert de Boüard de Laforest of Château Angélus in Saint-Émilion, the winery was modernized in 2002. The philosophy at Ostatu has been one of constant improvement, blending tradition, a forward-thinking approach, and perseverance.

The rosado comes from some of Ostatu’s oldest and highest-elevation vineyards, and is made of 70% Tempranillo, 27% Garnacha, and 3% Viura. Farmed organically, the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed before undergoing a short maceration. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks, yielding a light, refreshing Rioja rosé with substance, charm, and fresh, delicate fruit.

Year in and year out, this is always one of our most popular rosé wines. The 2025 is stunning, with notes of watermelon rind, strawberry, and white flowers on the nose. The acidity is bright and the texture is light, yet it finishes bone dry, with great complexity. Enjoy this alongside summer salads or with your apéro snacks.