Valdemar

Bodega Valdemar, whose wines sell under the Conde Valdemar label, is a well-established Rioja producer with vineyards primarily in Rioja Alavesa and a consistent approach across a wide range of styles. They make traditional Tempranillo-based reds from Crianza through Gran Reserva, and also work with some less common varieties, including Maturana, an almost-forgotten local grape that is making a quiet comeback.

The range is reliable rather than spectacular, but that reliability is what makes Valdemar worthwhile. The Gran Reserva represents good value for properly aged Rioja, and the Maturana bottling is worth trying if you want to see something genuinely different from the region.