Recommended by the New York Times, Wine Spectator, Food & Wines, and Many More. Check out our recent Press.

Award-winning NYC wine shop – free local delivery & fast nationwide shipping. Learn more

Dominio del Challao, Rioja Tinto 'Virna', 2022

Red Wine from Rioja, Spain
by Dominio del Challao
$26.99
Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout.
Use code 10OFF to get 10% off 12+ bottles

New-wave Rioja with Old World soul—aged in 12th-century caves at constant temperature and humidity. A collaboration between Manu Michelini (Argentine winemaker from the renowned Michelini family) and Carlos Fernández (Rioja native), blending Tempranillo, Garnacha, and old-vine field blends from 1960s plantings at 600 meters. Organic and biodynamic practices, indigenous yeast fermentation in concrete, 92 points Robert Parker.

Shipping

Every step of the journey is managed to uphold the integrity of each bottle.

  • Nationwide Access: Flat-rate shipping available to most U.S. states with delivery in 3-5 business days.
  • Temperature-Monitored Shipping: We closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions to ensure shipments travel safely, with insulated packaging and refrigerated transport available when required.
  • Wine-Specific Protective Packaging: Specialized materials designed to maintain label integrity and prevent breakage during transit.
  • Provenance Assured: All wines are maintained in climate-controlled conditions at our shop until the moment of dispatch.

Returns & Exchanges

We stand behind every bottle we sell.

  • Corked wine? Full refund or exchange within 60 days
  • Damaged shipment? Contact us within 48 hours
  • Storage or quality concerns? We're here to help


View our complete return policy →

Have Questions?

Our team is here to help.

Hours

Sunday - Thursday: 12 pm - 8 pm

Friday: 11am - 9pm

Saturday: 10am - 9pm

Email: help@flatiron-wines.com
Phone: (212) 477-1315

Antonio Galloni

89 points

"The 2022 Dominio del Challao Virna was sourced from the most vigorous vineyards in Labastida. On the nose, it offers herbal and ripe fruit notes such as blackberry, sour cherry and orange peel. The palate is firm, with active tannins and a juicy finish, resulting in a structured, energetic Rioja with personality." —Joaquín Hidalgo

Robert Parker

92 points

"The new village red 2022 Virna was produced with the grapes from the lower part of the Angelita vineyard that delivers more fruit-driven and approachable wines. It's a blend of 60% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha and the rest Mazuelo, Viura, Garnacha Blanca and other rare varieties that fermented in open-top concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in 225- and 500-liter barrels for 10 months and another 10 months in concrete before bottling. The nose is quite impacting, expressive and open, with some exuberance, notes of orange peel and red berry fruit and notes of herbs that remind me of some wines from yesteryear. It has a medium-bodied palate but with a very fine thread and chalky tannins. In 2022 (and in 2023), they harvested earlier to control the ripeness and alcohol in the wines. It has a moderate 13% alcohol and a pH of 3.4, and it's balanced, fine boned and very approachable. 15,121 bottles, 20 magnums and 10 double magnums produced. It was bottled in January 2025." —Luis Gutiérrez

More about Dominio del Challao

Argentine Manu Michelini partnered with Rioja's Carlos Fernández to create wines in Spain's Labastida, farming organic and biodynamic vineyards in 12th-century caves where temperature and humidity stay constant. Manu was drawn to Rioja's ancient wine tradition and saw an opportunity to bring modern, terroir-focused winemaking to the region. Challao Garnacha and other Rioja Alavesa bottlings taste like the marriage of two wine traditions made real. Bold, unexpected, rewarding.

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Grenache , Other White Grape , Red Blend , Tempranillo

  • Vintage

    2022

  • Size

    750ml

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Medium Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

What has to say about this wine:

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Grilled beef sirloin, roasted duck, herb-crusted lamb, mushroom stew, lamb chops

Tasting Profile

Dark cherry and plum with spiced pepper and herbal undertones, medium to full body with structured tannins and bright acidity. The wine shows concentration and power with a focused finish.