Olivier Rivière 'Gabaxo'

Garnacha forward (unique in Rioja).Some earth (and funk) on the nose, as well as plums and floral hints. The palate displays fantastic energy, plenty of earth and mineral notes with vibrant acid and a drier finish. Shockingly unRioja, but also showing a fantastic expression of place: Rioja. **Gabaxo is a slang term, meaning “border jumper”, commonly used for the French who cross the border to Spain. He is clearly not afraid to poke a little fun at himself with this stunning expression of his new home.Olivier was born and raised south of Bordeaux in Cognac. The list of estates where he has worked is impressive by any standards from the most dedicated fans of natural wines to ultratraditionalists. When his plans to set up a domaine in the south of France fell through, Olivier decided to spend a few years consulting in Spain, and he’s never left.Coming from France, Olivier has an innate sense of Terroir. Foregoing the more traditional Rioja style of barrel aging, his focus is on a quality hierarchy, with a true sense of the soil and place. He is one of a small handful in Rioja shaking up the old guard in order to find a new way to express Rioja. This “new wave” means a commitment to Biodynamic farming and less intervention in the winery. He also ferments in concrete and ages in larger neutral oak barrels, sometimes partially in concrete and stainless steel as well. The fermentation is partially whole cluster, giving a savory richness not unlike the great wines of Burgundy.Fermentation is also short, so the tannins are not overwhelming. Rioja made a name with its classic barrel aging, and some have modernized to use French oak, but there is a whole new style emerging -with Olivier at the forefront. And Rioja is better for it.

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