The second half of the 19th century brought profound changes to viticulture in Navarre and, naturally, in Bargota. The opening of international markets, particularly following the viticultural crises that affected France, generated a strong demand for wines from Navarre and Rioja. Diseases such as powdery mildew, which spread from 1850 onwards, and later phylloxera, devastated French vineyards, creating an opportunity for local producers to expand vine cultivation and improve their winemaking techniques.

Against this backdrop, significant innovations were introduced: the widespread planting of Garnacha, the arrival of French grape-crushing machines, the adoption of 225-litre oak barrels and new winemaking methods. The industrialisation of production and investments from France and Biscay stimulated a period of remarkable growth. Before the arrival of phylloxera, the large wineries that would later underpin the international reputation of Rioja and Navarre wines began to emerge. Wine became a profitable business around which a new bourgeoisie flourished, enabling many families to increase their economic and social influence.

The arrival of phylloxera in Navarre at the end of the 19th century had devastating consequences. Between 1892 and 1900, vineyard acreage declined by more than 50%, falling from 50,000 hectares to barely 1,500. Bargota was not spared from this catastrophe, although it managed to recover partially thanks to the support of the Provincial Government of Navarre, which promoted nurseries and introduced American rootstocks resistant to the insect. Although traumatic, this process encouraged the modernisation of viticulture and laid the foundations for the reorganisation of the sector during the 20th century.

During this period, new grape varieties became firmly established. Traditional vines such as Mazuela and Berués gradually lost prominence, while Tempranillo and, above all, Garnacha became the dominant varieties. Other local grapes were also cultivated in Bargota, including Bobal, Monastrell, Garró, Mandón, Mencía and Garnacha Tintorera, some of which eventually disappeared due to their lower yields or inferior quality. The introduction of American rootstocks made it possible to select the most suitable varieties for grafting, firmly establishing Garnacha as the dominant grape.

By the mid-20th century, advanced winemaking techniques—many of them originating in France—had been adopted in Bargota. These included must extraction, sulphuring, racking and disease prevention, transforming the way wine was produced. Some local winegrowers participated in international exhibitions, such as the Philomatic Exhibition held in Bordeaux in 1895, and even exported their wines to markets including the United States. Families such as the Díaz de Cerio and Aranzadi were pioneers in adopting these innovations and played a central role in the modernisation of local wine production.

Wine evolved from a product intended mainly for household consumption and local trade into one integrated within regional and national commercial networks, experiencing significant growth from the mid-19th century onwards. Agricultural mechanisation, the adoption of new techniques and improvements in transport infrastructure all encouraged the expansion of vineyards, although not uniformly. This allowed Bargota to become part of broader economic dynamics, leaving behind the relative isolation of earlier centuries.

A key milestone in this process was the creation of the Rioja Designation of Origin in 1925 (legally recognised in 1926). The inclusion of part of Navarre within the appellation represented an important endorsement of wine quality and a stimulus for further modernisation. The new regulations facilitated the integration of Bargota’s wines into national and international markets, transforming the social and economic significance of local viticulture.

Within this context, Garnacha stood out for its resilience and versatility. Although its exact origins remain uncertain, it was already documented in Navarre as early as 1395 in places such as Obanos, Pamplona and Viana, and its importance continued to grow throughout the 19th century. Following the vine diseases and restrictions that affected viticulture, its cultivation expanded significantly, becoming one of the key varieties in the reconstruction of Navarre’s vineyards after phylloxera. Its deep reddish colour, suitability for both young and aged wines, and alcohol content of 14–16% made it a highly valued grape.

Mazuela, meanwhile, was the most widely cultivated variety between the 18th and 20th centuries thanks to its ease of cultivation and rapid productivity. Following the phylloxera crisis, it lost prominence to Garnacha, although it continued to be used in both red and white wines, particularly to regulate colour and acidity.

Although historically less widespread, Tempranillo had already been regarded as a high-quality grape since the 18th century. Its cultivation expanded again during the mid-20th century, and today it is one of the most important red varieties within the Rioja Designation of Origin, suitable for young wines, oak-aged wines and long-term ageing.

Graciano, although less extensively cultivated, contributes structure, acidity and ageing potential and is used mainly in blends. Garnacha Blanca, a mutation of red Garnacha, began to be cultivated in the Ebro Valley around 1865. Although its presence declined alongside the general reduction of vineyard acreage, it has regained importance in recent years due to growing interest in white wines.

Other grape varieties present in Bargota include:

Indigenous varieties: Alarije or Malvasía Riojana, Albillo Mayor, Castellana Blanca, Cayetana Blanca, Garnacha Roya, Monastrell, Muscat à Petits Grains and Viura.

Non-native varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chasselas, Garnacha Tintorera, Garró, Mandón, Grand Noir, Mencía, Monastrell and Zoca Zarra 04.
This historical journey illustrates how the viticulture of Bargota, combining tradition and innovation, successfully adapted to both crises and opportunities. By preserving its remarkable varietal diversity while embracing modernisation, the village consolidated its place within the Rioja Designation of Origin, leaving a legacy that can still be enjoyed today in its vineyards and wines.