Bodega Exopto

Bodega Exopto is owned by a Frenchman who has been reinventing Rioja since 2003! Tom Puyaubert, a true Gascon, settled in the village of Laguardia, in the heart of Rioja, ten years ago, where he founded Bodega Exopto. It was while working for leading cooperages such as Demptos and Saury, alongside Spain’s greatest winemakers, that he learned the art of winemaking.

He produced his first wine in Virginia, at Rockbridge Vineyard alongside Shepherd Rouse, before working as a winemaker in Bordeaux. His values are: respect, balance, patience, and tranquility. The vineyards of Bodega Exopto are located in the municipalities of Laguardia (Rioja Alavesa) and Abalos (Rioja Alta), as well as in Rioja Baja. The vines range in age from 20 to 90 years. The clay-limestone soils of Rioja Alavesa impart strength, structure, and color to the wine. The soils of Rioja Alta contribute minerality and fruit. The blend of the two gives the wine a rich and balanced character.

The uniqueness of Tom’s wines also lies in the systematic blending of three varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano, and Grenache. The wines of Bodega Exopto reflect all the strength and richness of Rioja, with Bordeaux-style blending executed with finesse and elegance. Robert Parker rightly declared that the three new vintages from Bodega Exopto are all extraordinary. Exopto’s B.B. (Big Bang) is a true bargain in terms of value for money.