Vinos en Voz Baja

The Husband-and-Wife Team

Carlos Mazo, an environmental biologist, and Isa Ruiz, a graphic designer, come from families with long histories of grape cultivation in Aldeanueva de Ebro. They are the first in their families to produce and commercialise their wine. Their venture began in 2012 with just a few barrels and has since expanded to an annual production of approximately 23,000 bottles. The couple has constructed a small winery where they have produced their last two vintages, showcasing their commitment to growth and quality.

The couple farms across ten plots in the villages of Alfaro, Aldeanueva de Ebro, Autol, Calahorra, and Rincón de Soto. These areas, located in the southern part of Rioja Oriental, have often been overshadowed by the more renowned Rioja Alta and Alavesa regions. However, the unique quality and character of Carlos’s wines are earning recognition and praise, drawing attention to the potential of Rioja Oriental.

Vineyard Practices and Winemaking Principles

Rioja Oriental has a distinctly Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for Garnacha, the primary grape in Vinos en Voz Baja’s wines. The vineyards consist of old, small parcels of bush-trained vines, interplanted with Tempranillo, Tinto Velasco, and white varieties such as Viura, Calagraño, Tempranillo Blanco, and Garnacha Roya.

The vineyards are managed organically and are expected to receive certification by 2025. Carlos focuses on the importance of traditional methods and generational knowledge in their vineyard practices. He states, “When I inherited the vines, I inherited the customs, the liturgies, the codes, the character and the ways of working,” highlighting their respect for tradition and meticulous approach to vineyard management.

Winemaking Process

There are three tiers of wines in the range to represent the region.

• Rioja Oriental Zone Wine (Costumbres red and white)
• Village Wine from Aldeanueva de Ebro (Barrio Pastores)
• Single Vineyard Wine (Erosivo)

Their winemaking process involves stepping on whole clusters, followed by fermentation and storage for a year in tanks and barrels. This technique ensures the wines maintain a fine, light quality with slightly higher alcohol content than wines from other areas of Rioja. The distinctive strawberry notes of Garnacha are prominent, and the lighter wood ageing allows for early drinkability, while wines from the best plots have the potential for long-term ageing.

Commitment to Terroir

Carlos and Isa are devoted to producing a focused range of wines, each with its distinct personality, capturing the essence of their terroir. They avoid experimental cuvées or one-off releases, instead working steadily towards a definitive representation of their vineyards. Their vision is clear and unwavering, reflecting their heritage and forward-thinking approach to winemaking.