Vina Valoria Rioja Reserva 2016 (Spain)

Description

Cherry, Oak, Spice

“If you want to try a textbook Rioja Reserva for an extremely competitive price, then Viña Valoria is a brilliant place to go. Crammed with all the hallmarks of this popular Rioja style, it features plenty of ripe red cherry fruit and spice from the Rioja Alta-sourced Tempranillo, a touch of leather and sweet balsamic from the ageing process, and plenty of vanilla and dry tannin from the 30 months it spends in American oak barrels. Neither heavy nor thin, it makes for a surprisingly refreshing full-flavoured glass of red” Drinks Business Rioja Masters

“Gorgeously maturing, it's seductively savoury on the nose, showing dark berry, cured meat, fine leather, cedar and dried flower notes. The palate delivers excellent concentration and depth, splendidly framed by finely infused tannins, finishing impressively long and complex” Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

“Nice to be able to taste a classic Rioja expression with bottle-age still carrying its distinctive bouquet and palate flavours of strawberry and leather, balsamic and meats, brown spices and dried orange peel. Tannins have nearly all integrated, acidi remain at medium and the flavours across the palate are persistent. A dry wine ready to enjoy with food or on its own. Best from day of purchase through 2028” Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

Bodegas Valoria is located in the Municipality of Fuenmayor, barely 5 kilometres from Logroño, right on the road to Santiago very near the Grajera Natural Park. Valoria was founded by the Pérez Foncea family in 1860 and is the 6th oldest and one of the best-known wineries of La Rioja. Originally oriented towards the local market the winery was purchased by family-owned Bodegas Crunar in 2010 and its production facilities expanded to 1800 barrels. The winery now has the advantage of the domestic and international distribution network of the group, which exports 40% of its wines to more than 72 countries all over the world.

Rioja’s signature variety Tempranillo is hand harvested from mature vines sourced from Rioja Alta vineyards around the town of Fuenmayor. Temperature controlled fermentation and maceration is carried out in stainless steel to preserve fruit freshness before maturation for 12 months in French and American oak barrels and at least 24 months bottle aged before release.

Food Pairings: Cured meats roasted or grilled meats like lamb and pork, aged cheeses like Manchego, and robust Spanish tapas.