Bodegas Ostatu is a family winery located in the heart of the Basque Rioja Alavesa region in the village of Samaniego. The estate is located in an 18th-century structure in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria range run by the Sáenz de Samaniego family, which has been farming in the area since the 16th century They own 36 hectares of high altitude(450-640 meters), old-vine vineyards, divided into 50 micro plots, spread across several Rioja Alavesa villages. The soils are composed of deep calcareous clay and the average age of the vines is 50 years, with many vineyards being much older. All vines are certified organic and the winery is carbon-neutral through their use of green energy sources and participation in reforestation initiatives.

The Ostatu Rioja Crianza is a blend of 90% Tempranillo with the rest a mix of Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha from vines planted between 1964 to 1989 in 6 vineyards around the village of Samaniego at an altitude of 580 meters. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel — some undergo whole-bunch, partial carbonic fermentatoin, others are destemmed and fermented with native yeasts — then aged for 12 months in 225 liter French oak barrels, bottled without stabilization. This is a fresh, fruit-driven Rioja with incredible energy and life; a reflection of some of the most prized terruño in the Alavesa and a great introduction to the wines of this top-tier producer.