Bodegas Launa
Some families are born into wine, for the Usuri family of Rioja Alavesa, it’s not just tradition, it’s lifeblood. For nine generations, wine has been at the core of their existence. Their winery lies in the heart of La Guardia, one of the most prestigious locations of Rioja Alavesa, nestled at 690 meters of altitude and protected by the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range. Surrounding the family cellar are 57 hectares of vineyards, forming a majestic amphitheater of old vines and limestone soils.
The turning point came in 2006, when the new generation returned home. After years of study and international experiences from Château Le Bon Pasteur in Bordeaux to leading estates in Australia, the siblings Iker, Unax, and Usuri brought a fresh vision to their ancestral land. Iker, the head winemaker, leads the process with quiet precision and passion.
Their philosophy is one of respect for the vineyard, for the past, and for balance in the glass. Vinification remains classic, with a focus on structure, elegance, and terroir expression. The wines carry a purity and depth that reflect both the altitude and the calcareous clay soils. Yields are strictly limited to 3,900 kg/ha, thanks to a clone from Tempranillo, Roda 107, developed by the enologist of Roda in collaboration with the University of Navarra.
What’s most striking, however, is the family’s humility. While their wines have been named best value Rioja for five consecutive years, their presence remains surprisingly understated beyond Spain’s borders. Their focus has never been on marketing, just on making good wine, as they’ve done for centuries.
In the cellar, aging is done predominantly in new French oak, with a small portion of American oak depending on the character of the vintage. If a year doesn’t meet their expectations, the grapes are used into rosé.
This Winery is not only about the remarkable location or the age of the vines, nor just the precision of the winemaking. What truly sets it apart is the spirit behind it, a story of siblings continuing a legacy with quiet dedication, rooted deeply in their land and history. This is Rioja made with heart.
