La Carbonera
Malpastor Reserva, DOCa Rioja
Malpastor honors the bold spirit of the region’s historic shepherds who left behind their flocks to pursue a higher calling—cultivating grapes and crafting quality wines. These trailblazing dreamers, affectionately dubbed "malos pastores" or "naughty shepherds," dared to stray from tradition, forging a legacy of passion, courage, and innovation that remains an inspiration to this day. Malpastor remains the expression of Tempranillo grown in calcareous marl soils, which gives the wine body and elegance, as well as a slight sensation of sapidity or salinity.
Vintage Factsheets
Malpastor Reserva is sourced from 20ha of estate vineyards in the Rioja Alavesa subregion of Rioja. This region in Northern Rioja has the highest elevation, and unique clay & limestone soils, known for producing more expressive & refined Tempranillo. The goblet trained Tempranillo vines are co-planted with small amounts of other native varietals, arranged on gentles slopes and small terraces, and hand harvested.
- Region
- La Rioja
- Appellation
- DOCa Rioja
- Varietal Composition
- Tempranillo, field blend of Garnacha Blanca, Viura, Malvasía, Garnacha Tinta
- Aging
- Fermentation in stainless steel under controlled temperature with 20 days maceration. Wine remains in contact with fine lees for 3 months in concrete tanks where it undergoes malolactic fermentation.
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
Ripe red fruit aromas are layered with balsamic notes, oak spice, and hints of tobacco and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is compact yet juicy, offering savory plum, dry earth, and dusty spice nuances. Good volume and structure are framed by firm but smooth tannins.
Wine Enthusiast
92 Points
2019
"Aromas of ripe red fruits and oak spice continue into flavors of tobacco with a touch of vanilla cream. Flavorful and polished with smooth tannins and a fruit-forward, friendly palate."
— Elaine Chukan Brown, 2025
Vinous
90 Points
2019
"The 2019 Malpastor Reserva is mostly Tempranillo with Viura, Garnacha, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía. Aged for 3 months in concrete and 18 in barrels, it offers ripe fruit, balsamic notes and oak. Compact and juicy on the palate, with mature flavor and a broad, supple finish, this is a Rioja that spans traditional and modern styles."
— Joaquin Hidalgo, 2025
