La Rioja Alta S.A. 'Vina Ardanza' Reserva Tempranillo-Grenache Blend, Rioja DOCa, Spain

Viña Ardanza Reserva: A Testament to Balance and Elegance

Harvest and Vintage Excellence

The Viña Ardanza Reserva emerges from an exceptional vintage of depth and persistence. The year saw regular bud break and moderate rainfall, ensuring a balanced growth cycle. Despite summer droughts and high temperatures, the vines thrived, producing grapes with balanced acidity, high aromatic intensity, and perfectly ripe tannins. This harmonious development resulted in wines of remarkable smoothness and rounded mouthfeel.

Vineyard Virtues and Varied Aging

Sourced from the venerable La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, the Tempranillo grapes (80%) embody the richness of clay-limestone soils from Fuenmayor and Cenicero. The Garnacha grapes (20%), cultivated in the rocky terrain of La Pedriza at Tudelilla (Rioja Oriental), add a vibrant complexity. Harvesting by hand and meticulous selection ensured that only the finest grapes contributed to the blend. The aging process was tailored to each varietal: 36 months in American oak for the Tempranillo and 30 months for the Garnacha, with manual rackings enhancing their profiles. Bottled in June 2020, this meticulous process underscores Viña Ardanza's commitment to excellence.

Product Details:

• Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
• Varietal Composition: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• pH: 3.61
• Total Acidity (TA): 5.3 g/L
• Service Temperature: 17 °C

Sensory Journey

This Reserva showcases an intense garnet red color, inviting an exploration of its aromatic complexity. The nose is a symphony of spicy and balsamic notes—licorice, clove, nutmeg, and black pepper—enriched by the subtlety of ripe red fruits like brandied cherry and raspberry jam. The palate delights with freshness, a harmonious flavor spectrum, and soft, round tannins, culminating in a spicy, balsamic aftertaste. This Viña Ardanza stands in its prime, promising a future of continued grace.

Pairing Perfection

Its versatility makes it ideal for main courses, various meats and stews, and even chocolate-glazed desserts. As an after-dinner drink, it offers a splendid conclusion to any culinary journey.

La Rioja Alta: A Legacy of Winemaking

Since 1890, La Rioja Alta has been a beacon of winemaking excellence in Rioja. Its commitment to classic, spicy Gran Reservas has earned it a prestigious reputation. With vineyards sprawled across Rioja and a particular emphasis on Tempranillo, the estate's winemaking philosophy combines tradition with meticulous craftsmanship. The cooperage at the Haro winery, where barrels are fashioned from American oak, underscores dedication to quality evident in every Viña Ardanza bottle.

Viña Ardanza Reserva is more than a wine; it's a celebration of heritage, meticulous care, and the pursuit of perfection that defines La Rioja Alta.