What Makes Appassimento Unique
Curious about what happens when iconic Spanish grapes meet an ancient Italian technique? Santalba Amaro from Rioja is a bold experiment—uniting Spain’s beloved Tempranillo with the legendary “appassimento” process typically reserved for Amarone in Italy. The result is a wine rich in flavor, steeped in history, and perfect for adventurous palates seeking something truly unique.
In the world of Italian winemaking, few techniques carry as much history and character as appassimento. At first glance, it looks simple: freshly harvested grapes are left to dry. But for winemakers, it’s a delicate dance between nature and control. The goal isn’t to make raisins, but to carefully concentrate flavors, aromas, and structure in the grape — transforming them into something extraordinary.
The Story: What Is Appassimento?
Appassimento is a time-honored method, first made famous in Italy’s Valpolicella region. Instead of immediately crushing harvested grapes, winemakers lay them on straw mats or racks and leave them to dry for weeks or even months. This patient dehydration intensifies sugars, flavors, and aromas, setting the foundation for incredibly complex, full-bodied wines.
While Amarone wines traditionally utilize Corvina and Rondinella grapes, Bodegas Santalba brings this technique to Rioja, using Tempranillo as its star. With up to 40% water loss during drying, Tempranillo’s familiar red-fruit notes transform into something deeper—think dried figs, dark chocolate, tobacco, and spice.
The Drying Process: Precision Meets Patience
The real magic happens in the fruttaio — the drying loft. Grapes are spread on bamboo racks, wooden crates, or sometimes hung from beams, where fresh breezes or controlled ventilation slowly remove water from the berries. Winemakers obsessively monitor temperature and humidity, turning crates and checking bunches daily. Drying too fast risks losing elegance; too slow risks mold. On average, grapes lose 30–50% of their weight, concentrating everything left behind: sugar, acid, tannin, and flavor compounds.
Fermentation Challenges
By the time the grapes reach the press, they’ve become tiny flavor bombs. But making wine from them isn’t easy. The must is viscous, high in sugar, and hard for yeast to ferment. Winemakers must carefully manage yeast nutrition, temperature, and oxygen to avoid stuck fermentations. The reward? Wines with immense body, complexity, and layers of dried fruit, spice, chocolate, and floral notes that evolve beautifully with age.
The Winemaker’s Tradeoff
Every step of appassimento comes with risk — reduced yields, higher labor, potential losses from mold. Yet winemakers return to it year after year because of what it delivers: wines like Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto, and countless modern variations that capture intensity and elegance in the same glass. For them, appassimento is not just technique — it’s an act of faith, patience, and craftsmanship.
Why It Matters
For wine lovers, understanding appassimento is like peeking into the soul of Italian winemaking. It’s about more than dried grapes — it’s about tradition, resilience, and the way human hands can guide nature into creating wines that are bold, powerful, and unforgettable.
Wine Experiences: Explore, Taste, Connect
Pair this rich education with hands-on discovery. Here are some unforgettable wine experiences, handpicked from Winera.com’s growing portfolio.
Bodegas Santalba – Wine tasting experience
Indulge in a culinary journey as you savor three exquisite red and white wines, expertly paired with six delectable tapas. Enjoy this gastronomic delight in the cozy tasting room or on the picturesque terrace, where breathtaking views of Rioja unfold before your eyes.
To enhance your visit, consider exploring the surrounding vineyards by bike or on foot, taking in the rustic beauty of the region.This is more than just a wine tour—it's a journey into the heart of Rioja's wine culture.
Duration: 2h
Languages: Spanish, English
What to expect:
- Tasting of 3 wines
- Wine types: Red, White
- Guide: Winery Guide
Price: 60 EUR
Book now!
Hacienda López de Haro – Visit and Tasting
Discover the charm of Rioja with a visit to Hacienda López de Haro, nestled in the picturesque town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. This experience begins with an introduction to the unique features of the region, including its climate, soils, and vineyards, which make it an exceptional area for vine cultivation.
Step into the winery to explore the fascinating history of Rioja winemaking. Witness the production process firsthand and savor wines directly from the tanks, offering a rare glimpse into their development stages.
The journey concludes with a guided tasting of three exquisite wines, perfectly paired with traditional Rioja appetizers like local cheeses and sausages. This enriching experience combines education, flavor, and the authentic essence of Rioja in a setting surrounded by breathtaking vineyards and historic landscapes.
Duration: 1 h 30 min.
Languages: Spanish, English UK
What to expect:
- Tasting of 3 wines
- Wine types: Red, White, Local Grape Varieties
- Guide: Winery Guide
Price: 25 EUR
Book now!
Finca Valpiedra “Cantos” Visit
Visit to La Rioja winery. And it is not only the winery, but also enjoying the environment, the landscape and nature. In addition, you learn or complete your knowledge with the essence of our philosophy and the taste of our wines. Therefore, in this visit we explain the importance of the fruit from the vineyard to the glass.
Finca Valpiedra is the main exponent of the entrepreneurial spirit of Familia Martínez Bujanda. Opened in 1999, it has been a member of the Asociación Grandes Pagos de España since its inception. An exclusive and small group of wineries distributed throughout the national geography that, with unique vineyards and their own personality, claim the authentic terroirs of the country.
Duration: 1 h 30 minutes
Languages: Spanish, English
What to expect:
- Tasting of 3 wines
- Wine types: White, Red
- Guide: Winery Guide
Price: 20 EUR
Book now!
Bodegas Solana de Ramírez – Wine tasting
Bodegas Solana de Ramírez prides itself on promoting wine tourism every day of the week, offering visitors not only exceptional wines but also insights into the surrounding environment and culture.
With vineyards spanning 60 hectares across Rioja Alta, their wines are crafted with care and embody the natural essence of the region. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, this is an unforgettable journey into Rioja’s rich winemaking heritage.
Duration: 1 h 30 minutes
Languages: Spanish, German, English
What to expect:
- Tasting of 3 wines
- Wine types: White, Red, Rose
- Guide: Winery Guide, Winemaker
Price: 27 EUR
Book now!
Plan Your Wine Adventure with Winera
Whether exploring the science behind grape drying or simply seeking new taste frontiers, Winera connects you with wineries and experiences that will change the way you see—and sip—wine. Book your next wine journey today and discover how tradition and innovation can come together, one unforgettable glass at a time.
The Winera Difference
Winera isn’t just another booking platform—it’s a gateway into the hidden soul of wine regions. While most travel sites sell “packages,” Winera curates authentic wine experiences directly from the source. That means when you book with us, you’re stepping into family-run wineries, boutique estates, and world-class vineyards that normally only locals or insiders know about. No middlemen, no generic tours—just raw authenticity paired with seamless tech.
Why It Matters
Wine is never just about the glass in your hand—it’s about the terroir, the people, the stories, and the moments. Winera makes that accessible in a way no one else does: whether you’re an HR manager looking for team-building magic among the vines, a couple dreaming of a Tuscan escape, or a wine lover chasing down your next favorite bottle. With real-time availability, transparent pricing, and curated itineraries, we combine the warmth of hospitality with the efficiency of modern booking.
Beyond Travel—A Movement
Our vision isn’t just about tastings; it’s about building a global community that connects wineries and travelers in meaningful ways. Winera is where tradition meets innovation: we help wineries reach worldwide audiences, while giving travelers experiences that linger far beyond the vineyard gates. Every trip becomes a story you take home, every sip a memory anchored in place. That’s why Winera isn’t just planning adventures—it’s creating wine journeys that matter.
