Publicado el 10 mayo 2021

A hundred and thirty trees establish their roots in Rioja Alavesa this spring

Did you know that the amount of greenhouse gasses released each year in the Basque Country can reach up to 18.9 million Tons and that 10% of those emissions are absorbed by forests and crops? *

Did you know that studies suggest a mature tree is able to absorb an average of 50 Kg CO2 per year?**

This spring, Familia Luis Cañas has planted 70 trees amongst vineyards to remain faithful to our philosophy of incorporating grape growing practices in a natural environment.

               

Thus, the two family wineries in Villabuena de Álava (Luis Cañas) and Samaniego (Amaren) keep a local tradition alive which consists in planting trees, mainly fruit trees, in the vineyards, as it has always been the way.

We also wanted to extend this initiative to the 44 families of grapegrowers of the area (grape providers) who we work with side by side every year at the vineyard. Each family has been given one, two or three trees (depending on their vineyard size) so that they could plant it with their children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, siblings… This action contributes to keep a legacy alive, by looking after the environment and the local surroundings.

            

Between March and April, circa 130 trees have been planted and are now establishing their roots in vineyards around the region.

In a few years, they will be capable of absorbing 6,500 kg of CO2, which equites to the total emissions of 65 car trips from Bilbao to Gibraltar.

New apple trees, almond trees, olive trees (Arroniz variety), walnut trees, cherry trees, fig trees, peach trees and blackthonrs that will:

  • embellish the scenery
  • provide biological diversity to the local environment and keep the crops/nature balance
  • shelter local wildlife
  • offer fruit and natural shadow to grapegrowers
  • produce Oxygen and absorb CO2 from the atmosphere

*as per data from the Basque Government published in 2020 / **ecotree consultants

Publicado el 13 abril 2021

BODEGAS LUIS CAÑAS: committed to an ethical tourism destination.

The Villabuena de Álava winery has been accredited as a member of the Code of Ethics for Tourism in Euskadi, a project developed by Basquetour with the unvaluable complicity of the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route Association.

According to their promoters, the project “aims to make all the stakeholders in tourism development implement social responsibility as well as environmental and economic sustainability in their daily practices”.

Some of the guidelines when planning their wine tourism activities will be as follows:

-contribute to the understanding and respect of tourists

-promote local traditions and culture

-preserve the Cultural Heritage of mankind

-respect people’s rights

-work on excellence and professionalism, sustainability, equality, inclusion and tolerance

 

The Luis Cañas family is well-known in Rioja Alavesa because of how genuinely they understand the terroir-wine making process: based on a sustainable grapegrowing philosophy -socially just- which works towards a balanced regional development that brings additional value.

By adhering to the Code of Ethics for Tourism in Euskadi, Bodegas Luis Cañas strives towards the ongoing improvement and takes a step forward in implementing the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the 2030 Agenda into their practices.

 

Publicado el 28 octubre 2020

LET´S TASTE OUR NEW RELEASE, WHITE VIÑAS VIEJAS 2019

Just a few days ago we have finished the grape harvest in Rioja Alavesa, and for our family, this year has been the first one without the company of Luis, «the boss», who left us last December to his 91 harvests.
In spite of this absence, his legacy is very present among us and we believe that we must maintain good habits, because with them we will keep alive his essence.Without a doubt, the daily custom that grandfather Luis had to drink in the cellar a glass of white wine with some olives at 13h30, inspires us today to continue investigating the potential of the white grapes of Rioja alavesa.
That is why our new wine has just been released: LUIS CAÑAS BLANCO «VIÑAS VIEJAS» 2019.

Viñas Viejas 2019 is a «local wine», produced entirely with «Km 0 grapes», planted more than 50 years ago in Rioja alavesa.
This white wine blends the varieties Viura and Rojal (also called Malvasía riojana), selected in the heads of old vineyards located in the towns of Villabuena (where the winery is located), Leza, and Navaridas. A wine that speaks about the terroir that explores its roots and a acts as speaker for generations of artisans who pamper the countryside and keep alive the long-lived vines that make up the landscape of its region, Rioja de Alavesa.
It matures in the cellar with its lees for 5 months, under the watchful eye of our winemakers, who make periodic bâtonnages to achieve a structured and rich wine.
As a result, we obtain a fresh, expressive and complex white (with nerve, as was the grandfather Luis), very gastronomic and versatile in terms of pairing, which we hope you enjoy as much as we have done throughout the process of its elaboration.

If you want to try it, it is now available in our store. E-mail or call us for further information info@luiscanas.com  – 0034 945 62 33 73.

Publicado el 10 junio 2020

WINE TOURISM IS BACK

Ready? Steady! GO!

We were so eager to announce that in a few days we will reopen the doors for Wine Tourism.

There are many of you who have asked us lately about this topic although till now we did not have a fixed date to start. We are happy now because we are already warming up engines at the pole position.

We have been learning for it, and we have equipped our team and facilities with measures that guarantee your safety in the cellar.

Is has been hard to stay at home, so after so many months without your company now it is time to share a glass of wine, have fun and fill your life with great moments!

Take note on your agenda, spread the information among yours and start to organize your wine trip because from June 20 we will enjoy visits, picnics, tastings and other tourist activities with the family. Check available dates and times and make your reservation as soon as possible because now *capacity is reduced and places are very limited.

 

WHAT WILL WE DO FOR YOU?

Our goal is to protect you and make you enjoy the experience. To do this, we will inform you in advance of the Wine Tourism protocol and signs to follow once you arrive at the winery, but if you have any questions about it, do not hesitate to ask us.

• We have developed an ad hoc contingency plan for guided tours and wine tastings.

• We continuously disinfect surfaces and passage areas, before and after each visit, tasting or wine tourism service.

• Thorough disinfection of the tasting material.

• Toilets are cleaned and disinfected after each use.

• We use approved bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal products.

• We have a digital menu at the Winebar.

• The winery staff will make use of protective material adapted to each activity at all times (hydro alcoholic gel, protective screen, masks, gloves, etc …) and will extend the gel disinfection actions to other points of the route that require it.

• The PR staff undergoes a daily body temperature measurement that is carried out upon arrival at the workplace.

CANCEL YOUR RESERVATION IF …

• You have any symptoms related to Covid- 19

• You have had contact with a family member or friend who is ill or has recently tested positive for COVID-19.

CONTACT: MAIL: enoturismo@luiscanas.com

TLF: 945 62 33 73

* CAPACITY: The capacity is not a contractual data of the visit, and will vary to adapt to current regulations. It may vary between the time the visit is contracted and the time it is carried out, without the winery being obliged to communicate it.

Publicado el 14 diciembre 2018

Luis Cañas Reserva Selección de Familia 2012 stands out as the best wine collection of its kind in Rioja Masters 2018 competition

In this competition that is organized by the prestigious British magazine The Drinks Business and which this year celebrated its seventh edition, the wines of the Luis Cañas family have obtained various recognitions.

According to the published results, The Drinks Business signifies the Luis Cañas Reserve Family Selection 2012 as the best wine of its kind. At the top of the list of the best reserves between 20 and 30 pounds sterling, it is furthermore one of the nine devoted masters in total in the whole competition, in which numerous wines of the DO Ca, Rioja have participated and were classified according to six different categories.

The grapes that are chosen to enhance this wine come from old vines with low yield and character, a lot of character. Tempranillo in a 85% blended with a 15% of other grape varieties which first were curiously hand selected in the vine for passing over three double tables of bunches and grains in the cellar that the Luis Cañas family has in Villabuena of Alava, the heart of Rioja Alavesa.

After a breeding of 20 months in the new barrels (of French and American oak) and extensive time in the bottle, the Family Reserve is a round wine, that stands out for its excellent quality-price relation, its elegance, complexity and balance. In tasting, it reminds one of black ripened fruit, and one is easy to notice the subtle hints of liquorice and chocolate encompassed with a final long velvet texture. All in all, a TASTY wine, which satisfies the taste palate of the most demanding while exceeding the expectations of the one who tries it for the first time.

Publicado el

«Amaren Reserva 60 gets the highest mention in The Rioja Masters»

Bodegas Amaren (Samaniego, Rioja Alavesa) is in luck because Amaren Reserva 60 Tempranillo 2010 has obtained the qualification of Master in The Rioja Masters.

 

Drinks Business is one of the most prestigious magazines in the sector from the United Kingdom. This is the 7th Edition of the The Rioja Masters awards in which wines from all D. O. Ca. Rioja compete to achieve the highest scores. To Amaren Reserve 60 vintage 2010 they have awarded the Master mention to the best Rioja in its category.

 

The grapes used to make this wine come from vineyards with a minimum age of 60 years. These clusters of Tempranillo are selected in several plots located around the winery, in high areas and with low yields. In this 2010 vintage, its mineral notes, typical of the region’s terroir, stand out, as well as its touches of black liquorice and leaf litter, typical of the Tempranillo variety. The palate is fleshy and enveloping with a very sweet tannin, a true reflection of the variety.

Publicado el 7 febrero 2017

Luis Cañas Rioja Gran Reserva 2008 won the highest Award in Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2016

Since 2011 is held annually in Hong Kong the Decanter Asia Wine Awards, one of the largest wine competitions in the world and maximum reference in the Asian market. The competition recognized internationally for its rigorous selection process of tasting and award grants maximum Platinum Best in Show which considers the wine named best of their country. You reach it through the tasting of wines that have previously achieved the Gold Medal decide what Platinum Awards and the subsequent tasting of these will result in the Platinum Best in Show.

LUIS CAÑAS GRAN RESERVA 2008 was one of the 15 fortunate among 2,854 wines tasted lead in getting the quality of the wines of their respective countries with a score of 95 points. He was accompanied in the medal Luis Cañas Reserva 2010 Family Selection with 90 points and Silver Medal.
A wine made from vines more than 50 years of Tempranillo (95%) and Graciano (5%) varieties harvested in small boxes, and whose clusters and grains were selected double table and aged for 24 months in new barrels. A wine that seeks to recover the essence of Gran Reserva, a great wine made in the best vintages and whose elegance and subtlety make it a really huge wine.

Publicado el 20 noviembre 2016

Platinum Award for Tierras de Cair Reserva 2009 in Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2016

Bodegas Dominio de Cair has wan two very important awards at the latest edition of Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2016, one of the most important competitions in the world and without any doubt the benchmark for the growing Asian market.Tierras de Cair Ribera del Duero Reserva 2009 got to be one of the 4 unique Spanish wines achieve the desired Platinum medal with a score of 95 points, and a Gold Medal for Cair Crianza.

More than 40 prestigious judges from around the world met to blind taste the more than 2,850 wines presented in the fifth edition of Decanter Asia Wine Awards the last September in Hong Kong. The best tasters from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, India and Malaysia have met in this prestigious event, as well as other international professionals with an outstanding reputation that bring prestigious to the event becoming catapult to conquer the market Asian.
Dominio de Cair, owned winery Luis Cañas Family, already have a significant presence in several countries of the continent, predicting that the success already gained by its wines in the area will be boosted with these recognitions.

It was in 2008 when Bodegas Luis Cañas started in the D. O. Ribera del Duero preparing its first wine cellar and investing in a real treat. This, located in La Aguilera and round Aranda de Duero (Burgos), caught the attention of Juan Luis Cañas thanks to the area survives an old vineyard, with low yields and quality for making great wines. Besides its vineyards between 850 and 950 meters they bring to their grapes and consequently its wines a freshness and fruitiness that distinguish and have brought fame to the wines of the Familia Luis Cañas.
Tierras de Cair Ribera del Duero Reserva 2009 has been produced with 100% Tempranillo grapes from vines more than 70 years high areas and poor soils. The grapes have been harvested in small boxes; once they enter the winery go through double selection table. Alcoholic fermentation has made in oak vat and malolactic fermentation in new barrels. Later it has been 24 months in new French oak barrels and a minimum of 18 months in bottle.

Publicado el 22 octubre 2015

NEW AMAREN CRIANZA, A WINE WITH A STYLE OF ITS OWN

Bodegas Amaren are expanding their list with a new wine which will become the benchmark for oak-aged wines. A new style of crianza wine made with the masterful skill which is the hallmark of the brand.

Bodegas Amaren, created by Juan Luis Cañas (Bodegas Luis Cañas) as a tribute to his mother, are known for their modern-style wines and in the case of this new one, they anticipate what they believe the taste of the market will be in the near future.

If there is one thing which defines this winemaking family it is their passion for the vineyard, for the selection of the grapes to the ultimate degree in order to get from their perfect grapes the wines which will triumph in the most demanding markets.

Made from 85% tempranillo and 15% garnacha from vines with an average age of 35 years, the grapes are selected on a dual sorting table, first a manual check of the clusters and then the individual berries. After vinification the wine is cask aged for 12 months in 50% new, American-oak barrels and 50% in French-oak barrels used for a second vintage.

The resulting wine is truly attractive, transmitting the finesse and elegance of the tempranillo and the fresh, delicate fruitiness of the garnacha. A balanced combination which is far from an excessive complexity, corpulence or over extraction to achieve the goal set by the bodega: to make a “RICH” wine in capital letters. With a nose in which the fruit character with floral nuances and strawberry toffees will stay with you all through its passage through the mouth, where you can sense its power, but with an elegance, enchanting you with its great balance until the long finish with heady notes of red fruit typical of the best garnachas from the Rioja Alavesa.

A wine to be enjoyed and which will charm you with its subtlety.

Publicado el 22 junio 2015

FULL HOUSE FOR THE AMAREN WINES IN THE PRESTIGIOUS 2015 GUÍA PEÑIN

CONSIDERED A REFERENCE AMONG SPANISH WINES

In its latest edition, the Guía Peñín has again highlighted the superb quality of the wines from Bodegas Amaren by giving all the wines a score of more than the much sought after 90 points.

The Amaren 2011 Cask-fermented White with 92 points, Ángeles de Amaren 2008 with 93, Amaren Reserva Tempranillo 2006 with 92 and the Amaren Graciano 2009, complete a catalogue of wines which yet another year shows not only their quality but also the consistency they show year after year.

Amaren has lots of loyal fans who show their loyalty by being aware that because of their limited production, they cannot be found in large quantities in the shops and restaurants. Just as exclusive are the customers who are looking to find in them the kind of elegant, subtle wine with lots of soul for them to truly enjoy.