A family-owned winery, Bodegas Zugober was created in 1987 by a couple of oenologists with deep roots in the business, and whose sons are now learning to run the winery. The vineyards are farmed organically and in the winery, the couple take a hands-off approach to the winemaking process, fermenting with indigenous yeast and using no additions. This is very much a natural wine, and, atypical of Rioja, 50% of the fermentation is carbonic, preserving the freshness of the fruit and minimizing tannins. While mostly retaining the traditional structure of Rioja, the wine has elevated, ripe, dark fruit balanced by savory notes of leather and tobacco. A light top note of vanilla and a moderate amount of grip provide lift.