At a glance

Producer

Yjar

Region

Rioja DOCa, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo blend (primarily Tempranillo, with Graciano, Garnacha, Granegro, and other native varieties)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$225-$350 USD (release price, auction values may vary)

Tasting profile

Deep cherry and black fruit (blackberry, plum), wild herbs, graphite, spices, mineral notes, subtle oak, hint of floral.

Evolution: Develops earth, leather, balsamic, tobacco, truffle nuances over 8+ years; more integrated tannin and seamless texture.

At peak: Exquisite aromatic complexity, layered fruit/earth interplay, great freshness and precision.

Structure

Acidity

Bright, fresh and energetic

Tannins

Fine, firm, and abundant with silkiness

Alcohol

Medium (typically around 13.5-14%)

Aging potential

Very high (15-20+ years possible in top conditions)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2037

Optimal window

2025 to 2042

Current status

Young, but approachable if decanted; built for cellaring

Current condition

Primary fruit and freshness dominate, high potential for complexity with age

Yjar is crafted as an age-worthy, terroir-focused Rioja from Remelluri's limestone-rich, high-altitude site. Minimal intervention and top-quality selection give it remarkable longevity and balance.

Food pairing

Lamb shoulder, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes, grilled Ibérico pork, roast squab, or hearty lentil stews.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has fine, firm, and abundant tannins that can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its silkiness, allowing the flavors to open up.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

The Remelluri property, where Yjar is made, is farmed organically (certified since 2010), uses biodynamic principles (cover crops, compost, lunar calendar). Minimal chemical inputs, manual harvest, gravity-fed winemaking, reduced sulfur use, no herbicides or pesticides. Winery employs renewable energy (solar), rainwater capture for irrigation, natural cover cropping for biodiversity. Light, recycled glass bottles; low-intervention packaging.

Yjar's parent estate, Remelluri, is a leader in organic viticulture and adopts regenerative agriculture and some biodynamics. Minimal machinery, energy-conscious cellar, and wildlife corridor support elevate its environmental stewardship. While not fully carbon neutral, their proximity to local markets and avoidance of synthetic agrochemicals significantly reduce environmental impact relative to industrial Riojas. Importation does add carbon footprint globally, but producer transparency, renewable energy, and eco-friendly practices mark it as highly sustainable by Spanish fine wine measures.