Bodegas Leza Garcia: Four Generations in Rioja

Bodegas Leza Garcia is a small family owned winery located in the heart of Rioja Alta with vineyards in the Naierilla Valley and the Sonsierra.  The winery is  currently managed by Juan Angel Leza, with brothers Luis Fernando and Donato, the third generation of the Leza Garcia family.   The winery dates back to 1920 when Juan Leza Arenzana   began growing grapes in his hometown  of  Uruñuela.  Today the fourth generation of the Leza Garcia family, is so far represented by Sergio Leza,  pictured left, who serves as Export Manager.

Bodegas Leza Garcia cultivates  135 ha of vineyards located on both banks of the Ebro River in the Najerilla Valley and the Sonsiera. Its vineyards provide for a variety of grape growing conditions , diverse soils and micro climates at 500 to 700 meters.  Its vineyards consist of 70% red grapes and 30% white.  Total annual production is around 750,000 bottles annually, of which 60% is exported.   Winemaking is in the hands of veteran oenologist Rodrigo Inza.  All wines are estate-grown and well-made.  The whites are fresh and crisp, the reds are nicely balanced, concentrated  and traditional in style.

Read our reviews below and, also, in our forthcoming report on the wines of Rioja.  These  wines  were tasted at the Spanish wine festival ,FENAVIN held in Ciudad Real in early May.   The  US importers are: Stephane Defot, Z Wine Gallery Imports for Virginia and Keystone Importers LLC for Pennsylvania.

Bodegas Leza García 2022 Nube de Leza Tempranillo Blanco Rioja (Rioja Alta) ($25) 90 Sourced from high altitude vineyards at night, this 100%  Tempranillo Blanco offers aromas and flavors of orchard fruit, herbs and spice. It exhibits good acidity on the palate with crisp flavors, excellent concentration, and a pleasant finish.

 Bodegas Leza García 2022 Maturana Tinta Rioja  (Rioja Alta)($28) 90  Crafted from a unique grape, the  Maturana Tinta is a pleasant and intensely flavored black-fruited wine fermented in stainless steel.   Richly colored, it is easy drinking with noteworthy spice,  freshness and acidity.  Aged 3 month in French and American oak. 14% alc

Bodegas Leza García 2022 Tinto Familia Crianza Rioja (Rioja Alta) ($34) 91 The Tinto Familia Crianza is a delicious 100% Tempranillo  of pure dark berry fruit and  light toast on the palate.  Nicely structured, it is perfectly balanced with good intensity of flavor and has a long pleasant finish. Aged 12 months in French and American oak and 6 months in bottle before release.  15% alc

Bodegas Leza García 2018 Leza Garcia Reserva Rioja (Rioja Alta)($42) 92 The 2018 Leza Garcia Reserva is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha. Aged in French and American oak barrels 24 months and an additional 12 months in bottle before release.  It it is boldly flavored and complex with good concentration and balance and a long finish. Mediterranean in character. 15% alc.