Join the Wine Dream Team, Jaime Araujo, Akos Forczek, Tanisha Townsend and Ray Isle, and the Host, Antoine Abou-Samra for The Wine Hour #9.

We have the pleasure to welcome Elena Adell, Chief Winemaker, and Elena Suàrez, Winemaker, of Campo Viejo in La Rioja.

ELENA ADELL, CHIEF WINEMAKER

Elena Adell was born in Logroño and has been involved in winemaking since 1985. She started working with Campo Viejo in 1998.

The granddaughter of a grower, she studied Agricultural Science at university, specialising in Viticulture and Oenology. In her own words, "Being a Rioja born Agricultural Scientist, I would inevitably end up with vines and wines".

She has always worked in Rioja but, simultaneously, has also worked in other Spanish D.O.’s like Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribera del Duero, Navarra, Jumilla, and Valdepeñas. An expert in Rioja, Elena has extensive experience working with the Tempranillo.

"This fabulous winery provides me with the ideal platform to continue reinforcing the values that have made Campo Viejo a reference in the world of wine."

ELENA SUÁREZ, WINEMAKER

Elena Suárez was born in Logroño and has long held a passion for winemaking. This passion led Suárez to obtain a degree in Superior Laboratory Technology, before completing a degree in Oenology at the University of La Rioja in 2017.

In 2017 whilst completing her studies, Suárez joined the Bodegas Campo Viejo team, supporting the Oenology team during the harvest season before joining the team permanently in 2019.

Elena is the reflection of a new winemaking generation in the face of the expert opinion of Elena Adell. Like her wines, she is full of energy, curiosity, and openness.

PROGRAM

Licensed To Taste [27:31] Tanisha Townsend talks about Southern Italian wines and food, and in the "Wine Minute" about wine ageing in La Rioja.

Have A Drink With Me [36:25] Antoine Abou-Samra has a conversation with Elena Adell and Elena Suàrez on La Rioja, Campo Viejo, their winemaking philosophy, the passage of generations, sustainability and much more.

There is an accompanying playlist with the show (selected by our guest). It can found here:

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