Outstanding scenery
The Rioja appellation stretches across a wide valley crossed by the river Ebro so it is easy to enjoy good views of the area from the many lookouts dotted around the mountains enveloping the region from north to south.
Our favorite lookout, and the one that is closest to us, will always be known as Balcón de la Rioja. A 20-minute car ride from the gates of Bodegas Muriel in Elciego, the lookout sits atop Sierra de Cantabria on the sinewy A-2124 road. Upon reaching the Balcón, we can enjoy magnificent views of the vineyards and villages in Rioja on both sides of the river Ebro. On clear days, the scenery is truly captivating and inspiring.
View to the east
A lesson in geography
There is no better vantage point from which to understand the geography of Rioja. To the north of the river Ebro we can see some Rioja Alavesa villages: Samaniego, Villabuena, Leza, Navaridas, Elciego and the walled hill where Laguardia lies. Among ravines, sun-facing slopes and small plateaux we find the sea of vines from which we obtain our wines Muriel and Viña Eguía.
Opposite us is the Sistema Ibérico mountain range, crowned by the pyramid-shaped peak of San Lorenzo. Raising up to 2,271 metres (7,450 ft), it is the highest point in Sierra de la Demanda. To the east is the urban area of Logroño. Rioja Alta lies in the opposite direction. Further west, we sense the lands of La Bureba, in the province of Burgos, which according to Spanish writer Azorín, were said to produce the best wheat in Castille.
View to the west
Two different climate influences
The same A-2124 road climbs up to Herrera mountain pass, on the Rioja-Alava border. Few places describe the relevance of the various climate areas as well as this. At 1,109 metres (3,638 ft), the mountainous border between the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas seems to have been carved up with a ruler and pen. It is perceived in the vegetation and we could even say that it is felt on one?s bones. On the southern slopes, facing the Rioja valley, holm oaks, kermes oaks, ligneous scrubland. The area is clearly drier, even though it lies at considerable height. Meanwhile, on the northern side of the mountain pass, the shady forest dominates with beech and oak trees. There is a chill in the air with humidity floating in the atmosphere. Obviously, there are no vineyards on this side.
Our next ?balcón?
We have recently introduced another ?balcón? to our particular collection of Rioja lookouts: our new vineyard on the Yerga mountain in the westernmost part of Rioja. From its highest point, at around 800 metres (2624 ft), the views are different to those from Balcón de la Rioja but equally impressive.
Getting there is more difficult and restricted as the only way up is through the dirt tracks in the vineyard. The views from this spot have rarely been exposed. We will soon publish photographs and write a piece about this arid and windy enclave on the opposite end of the appellation"
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