2019 Bodega 202, Airde, Rioja

Producer Profile

Founded in 2014 by Francis and Kathleen Rooney, Bodega 202 makes small-batch vintages from old, high-altitude vineyards, focusing on quality over quantity.

The Rooney’s Rioja Alavesa journey began while walking the Camino de Santiago, “Saint James Way,” through the Ebro River Valley and the land, wine, history and warmth of the people led them to start Bodega 202 there.

Today, the Bodega is managed by the Rooneys’ son, Michael, and Luis Guemes, winemaker and general manager.

Winemaking at Bodega 202 blends the unique terroir of Rioja Alavesa, the elegant aromas and vibrant fruit of the Tempranillo grape and bold and innovative vitculture to impart our personal signature on each vintage.

The climate and soils of Rioja Avalesa have been recognized worldwide, an optimal terrior to make wines of character and complexity. Bodega 202 is located just outside of the medieval, fortified town of Laguardia, in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa.

Bodega 202 makes expressive wines from high-altitude, older vineyards with distinct microclimates. We have over 20 hectares in 10 different parcels, 4 located in the Eastern part of the valley, around Cripan and El Villar, and 6 in the Western end near Salinillas de Buradon.

High Altitude vineyards provide the best environment for the slow ripening of Tempranillo grapes. Low temperatures during maturation allow for a slower process, developing thicker skins which are more resistant to illness and which provide richer flavors.

The oldest of our vineyards was planted in 1945. These old vines produce lower yields with more concentration, allowing us to obtain extraordinarily powerful and aromatically complex wine with a capacity for long-term aging, yet gives elegance and finesse to the wines.

Rioja Alavesa presents a balance of culture and nature. The landscape includes ancient villages, mountains, monasteries, churches, and vineyards.

To the North, the Sierra Cantabria provides a unique microclimate, a barrier against the cool, moist coast of Northern Spain and the Cantabrian Sea, which creates temperate, Mediterranean conditions for winemaking and wine growing.

Rioja Alavesa is located in the Ebro River Valley. In addition to its northern border, the Sierra Cantabria, it is bordered on the south by the Sierra de la Demanda.