Live from Pass the Porrón: The Gold Coast of Rioja & Reclaiming Place with André Tamers

Can a famous wine region reinvent itself without losing its audience?

In this live panel discussion led by De Maison Selections founder André Tamers, we explore the changing landscape of Rioja as it transitions from traditional brand-driven consistency toward site-specificity, terroir, and wines of place. Joined by four independent grower-producers from the De Maison portfolio, Andre tackles one of the biggest questions in the wine world today: When a region’s commercial success is built on a uniform, recognizable identity, how do you reframe the narrative around quality and origin without leaving consumers behind?

The panel goes deep on why Rioja is often misunderstood and why place and village identity is the clearest path forward. We debate time versus place, how labeling rules shape what you see on a bottle, and what has to change for small producers to survive and thrive.

In this episode, the panel covers:

• Terroir vs. Aging: How traditional aging classifications can flatten diversity, and why Reserva and Gran Reserva can coexist with village wines when terroir leads the story.
• Village Microclimates: How limestone soils drive acidity in Samaniego whites, altitude brings freshness to Labastida, and river-influenced terraces shape San Vicente.
• Rethinking Oak: The role of oak as a complementary tool rather than the dominant flavor profile.
• Industry Action: What importers, retailers, and educators must do as Rioja portfolios become more granular and place-focused.

Guest Panel: 

Pablo Rodríguez of Remelluri

Alain Quintana representing the Cosecheros de Labastida 

Maríasun Saenz de Samaniego from Bodegas Ostatu 

Carlos Yécora of Bodegas Luberri

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If you find a Porrón on the back label of a bottle, it is imported to the US exclusively by De Maison Selections 

The Porróncast is hosted and produced by Ryan Looper - @iamlooper

Original Music by @juliantamers