We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Koldo Eguren, the visionary behind UKAN, at the Tim Atkin Exhibitor event in London this February. Though a newcomer to the Rioja scene, UKAN comes with serious pedigree, earning a 'Third Growth' ranking from Tim Atkin MW. We're thrilled to be the first to bring these exceptional wines to the UK market.
From their focus on small-batch production to their use of French oak, UKAN is creating wines that are as distinctive as they are delicious. We’re excited to share our conversation with Koldo, where we dive into the story of UKAN, what makes their wines unique, and what’s next for this exciting winery.
UKAN is a relatively new winery but has already made a strong impact – especially with us at Old Chapel. What inspired you to create a fresh perspective on Rioja?
I come from a winemaking family, so I’m now the fifth generation of winemaking in this family. After living abroad in places like the United States, Germany, and South Korea, I returned to Rioja with the idea of creating something smaller than our family winery, with a sharper focus on quality and a more boutique approach. That’s why UKAN is so dedicated to crafting wines with quality at its core.
Your wines are made in small quantities with a clear focus on quality over quantity. What drives this philosophy, and how do you maintain consistency?
Our focus is on the vineyards. We work with old, small vineyards, which means everything is crafted by hand. By carefully managing each small parcel, we’re able to ensure that we make the most of every vineyard and create blends that reflect consistency year after year. This approach guarantees that the style and quality of our wines remain steady, regardless of the vintage.
Your vineyard sites are located in Rioja Alavesa. What makes this sub-region so special for crafting your wines?
Rioja Alavesa, in the northern part of Rioja, is unique for several reasons. The soils here are rich in limestone, which contributes to the wines’ freshness and elegance. Additionally, the climate is influenced by the northern Basque region, creating a microclimate that’s slightly cooler and rainier than the rest of Rioja, allowing us to produce wines that are exceptionally balanced.
You age your wines in French oak, which is less common in Rioja. What does this choice bring to the final wines compared to the traditional American oak?
We prefer French oak due to its elegance. American oak tends to have more prominent and sometimes overpowering aromas, whereas French oak is more subtle and refined. This allows the fruit aromas to remain the focus, enhancing the wine’s overall balance without overshadowing the natural characteristics of the grapes.
Where do you see UKAN in 5-10 years? Any exciting developments on the horizon?
Although we’ve only been in the market for under five years, I envision UKAN growing steadily over the next 5-10 years. We’ll continue refining our wines, establishing our brand, and developing it further. As for new developments, I’d suggest staying tuned—there may be a new addition to the UKAN family in the near future!
For someone new to UKAN, what should they expect from their first taste?
We want our wines to transport you to Rioja, to give you a true sense of the terroir. It’s not just about the ageing process or the oak style; it’s about the unique conditions of our vineyards and the climate that shapes our Tempranillo. When you try UKAN wines, you should expect to feel like you're visiting Rioja itself and experiencing the essence of our land.
