La Rioja Alta S.A. Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain 2019 75cl

Possibly one of the top three vintages of this century, alongside 2001 and 2015. An Atlantic-influenced year, typical of Rioja Alta, delivering fresh, fruity, balanced wines ideal for long aging. Officially rated as EXCELLENT.

The Tempranillo (80%) comes from 30-year-old vines in our Cuesta (Cenicero) and Montecillo (Fuenmayor) vineyards. The Garnacha (20%) is from La Pedriza in Tudelilla, Rioja Oriental, a 40-hectare estate with unbeatable conditions for growing this variety.

Hand-picked in boxes with a first cluster selection in the vineyard. Garnacha was harvested  two weeks later. Grapes were refrigerated during transport to preserve integrity. After optical sorting, fermentation lasted 17 days, followed by natural malolactic fermentation. Aged in American oak barrels from our cooperage: 36 months for Tempranillo and 30 months for Garnacha (20% new barrels). Traditional manual racking by candlelight (5 times). Bottled in December 2023.

Bright and vivid cherry red, medium-high intensity, garnet rim. Aromas of redcurrant, plum, and cherry, complemented by balsamic and spicy notes of black pepper, licorice, vanilla, clove, and nutmeg. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with sweet, elegant tannins and a long, lively finish, reflecting the wine’s distinctive balsamic and spicy character.

Roast lamb, red meats, barbecues, large game, spicy fish casseroles, smoked and aged cheeses.