Carlos Mazo is a leading new voice for Garnacha in Rioja. Based in Rioja Oriental — the region’s far eastern edge, formerly known as Rioja Baja — he follows in the footsteps of quality pioneer Álvaro Palacios, refining and extending that revolutionary work with a focus on elegance and transparency. Guided by a clear vision and unwavering intent, Mazo’s wines are fast becoming reference points for Garnacha not only in Rioja, but across Spain and beyond.
Vinos en Voz Baja (“whispering wines”) is Carlos Mazo’s tiny, site-focused project in Aldeanueva de Ebro, near Alfaro at Rioja’s eastern boundary. Part of a new generation driving a return to authenticity and vineyard expression, Carlos farms six hectares across eight plots planted to local varieties including Garnacha (red, white, and grey), Tinta Velasco, Viura, Pasera, and a small amount of Tempranillo inherited from his grandfather. Viticulture is manual and ecological, without herbicides or pesticides, and certified organic as of 2025. Fermentations are spontaneous and carried out parcel by parcel, with foot-trodden grapes fermented in small vessels, concrete, or open barrels, followed by ageing in neutral oak, foudre, and concrete. Bottled without oenological additives and with only minimal sulphur, the wines are elegant, vibrant, and deeply honest.
80% Garnacha with 10% Tempranillo and 10% Tinta Velasco.
The vines are scattered across three hectares all planted with a south eastern exposition. Vineyards: Planas Altas (1980), Cantarral (1995), Butrago (1982), Salobral (1997).
In the winery, the fruit is whole bunch crushed by foot in wooden and concrete vats and fermentation is spontaneous without temperature control.
Maceration runs between 5 - 14 days and ageing is in used oak barrels and concrete for 12 months.