Bodegas Caudalía

Raquel Grandival Allende and Ivan Lopez Barco began their life’s project in the Pre-Pyrenees foothills south of Pamplona in 2019 – After studying Oenology at the University of La Rioja, Raquel spent many years developing her winemaking experience in La Rioja, Navarra and Chile. As winemaker at Bodegas Caudalia, she seeks to emphasize the unique character of their vineyards by fermenting wine in cement tanks with native microbes and aging in glass, cement & large format (400-500 liter) French barrels that minimize oak influence.

Aware that it is in the vineyard where a great wine is made and seeking to preserve rural life, they have recuperated the old village winery & 15 hectares of abandoned vineyards in the Valley of Aibar. This historic valley was a functioning medieval road and defensive borderland sitting below the Izco mountain range. Amongst rolling hills, forested peaks and natural ravines, their work is focused on recovering this heritage – understanding & caring for it while being able to show the full potential and expressions of varietal identity.

The vineyards are located in Baja Montaña sub-zone of D.O. Navarra, in the Villages of Lerga and San Martín de Unx. Altitudes between 500 and 750 meters above sea level, with soils that are old stony river beds & higher altitude argilo-calcaire with a climate influenced by the Pyrenees. Seeking biological balance through minimal intervention is the daily focus. .

The Wines