Wines of Javier Bohórquez, Ribera del Duero

For more than twenty years, the high-altitude plot farmed by Javier Bohórquez has yielded fruit to champion his cause: to produce wine from his region in a style that was true to his understanding of the place, rather than to any particular wine critic or their preferences. Javier believed that the soil and climate of the Ribera del Duero was capable of producing elegant, complex, balanced and age-worthy wines.

Starting with one wine, he made a Reserva that has proven his cause to be right and overwhelmingly compelling. Ribera wines have in recent years become vast, oaky and alcoholic monsters. We may like that from time to time, but what Javier makes is this sensuous, silky and delightful wine that you can approach time and time again without fear of taking a hit to the head. The main point, however, is that this is a far more authentic expression of the Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) grape and shows the soils and land capable of producing wines that are remarkably and identifiably unique.

In the past ten years Javier introduced a Crianza, called Cardela and more recently again has leased vines in Rueda, from where he harvests Verdejo, which is lees aged and acts as a scintillating addition to the vision of this brave, individual winery.

Bravery with humility, as Javier himself is a remarkably gentle gentleman; tall and calm, utterly un-flusterable and endlessly patient, he is quietly proud that his labour has yielded such a clear and consistent achievement of his original goals.

And now, he is receiving the plaudits that his wines have long-deserved: 93 points from Tim Atkin; 17.5 from Jancis; 90-plus from Parker; 93 points Guía Peñin, 96 points Decanter... with a respect and understanding for the 'new/old' traditional approach in a warm climate, that he has truly made his own.

Winemaker, Javier Bohórquez, standing by one of his vineyards. On the vines, the leaves are turning from green to brown.

Customer reviews

★★★★★

Excellent service, lovely wine, choosing online is so easy with Chris’ excellent tasting notes and the fun of opening a wine for the first time adds to the experience.

Gerry R

★★★★★

I ordered some sparkling Cava from Chris which arrived so promptly! A really delicate delicious wine that I haven't seen anywhere else. A great selection of quality wines at really good prices!

A. O'Neill

★★★★★

I must say the wine list here is amazing. Top quality and what I like the most is a rich info on every presented bottle. Pure example when someone puts their heart and knowledge into it. I had a few Burgundy ones and they were delicious! Superb packaging and delivery as well.

Bosnae

★★★★★

My first purchase with Allotment and it was a really positive experience - from their website, product range , price range and professional follow up.

Anne K.

★★★★★

I stumbled across this wine merchant while searching online for a particular Spanish wine. I'm glad I did as I discovered an excellent selection of wines from that country, as well as from other regions, all at competitive prices. Excellent personal service and prompt delivery made for a great overall experience. Highly recommended

John H.

★★★★★

The owner Chris provides an incredible customer experience. After I had ordered online, he contacted me separately to offer additional insights into all the wines I had chosen and to give me a voucher for next time.

Sean G

★★★★★

A great experience ordering from The Allotment Wine Company. A wide variety of wines to try something new and at good prices with super quick delivery! Really convenient too as opposed to trying to find parking!

Nicola D.

★★★★★

Good range of interesting wines. Good personal attention to their orders. Very customer focused. I would be happy to recommend this company to any prospective customer.

Jim D

★★★★★

Wonderful wines from a wonderfully wise wine man! Have discovered some cracking vino thanks to Chris’ educational and entertaining videos and can’t wait to try more. My favourite kind of special delivery!

Kate W.

Hi, I'm Chris Gifford.

Welcome to The Allotment Wine Co.

When you buy wines from The Allotment Wine Co. you're supporting a small Irish business which in turn supports small, sustainable wine producers, as well as other small, dedicated Irish wine importers.

When selecting wines, I look for partners who share a deep respect and connection with the land and its traditions, witnessed in a firm commitment to quality and sustainability. All of which makes for better wines.