La Rioja Alta : Vina Ardanza Reserva Especial 2015

A powerful and balanced Rioja red wine by La Rioja Alta

The producer

Founded in 1890 on the initiative of 5 families, La Rioja Alta is a reference among La Rioja wines. Elegant, aromatic and balanced, the wines produced by La Rioja Alta are recognised for their complex and authentic expression of fine Spanish wines.

The wine

One of the estate’s most iconic wines, Vina Ardanza Reserva Especial by La Rioja Alta is made up of grapes from vineyards, 30 years old on average, in the villages of Cenicero and Fuenmayor or from a 40-hectare partner estate in Tudelilla.

The vintage

This vintage’s ideal conditions lead to the optimal development of the vineyard. The grapes were harvested at full maturity, giving rise to fresh, elegant and fruity wines whose balance is combined with fine tannins and a silky feel.

The vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are cooled and then optically sorted in order to keep only those of optimal quality. Natural alcoholic fermentation then malolactic fermentation. Vinification and ageing based on the grape variety. While the Tempranillo is aged in fourth-fill American oak barrels for an average of 36 months, Grenache is aged for 30 months in second and third-fill American oak barrels. The final blend was made in September 2019 before bottling.

The blend

The 2015 Vina Ardanza Reserva Especial by La Rioja Alta comprises a blend of Tempranillo (78%) and Grenache (22%).

The tasting

Colour

Elegant, with a beautiful garnet red colour.

Nose

Powerful, the nose blends fragrances of spices, sweet liquorice and pastry with balsamic notes as well as vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, nutmeg and stewed red fruit.

Palate

This wine is alluring due to its balance, its freshness, its structure and the suppleness of its tannins. The palate reveals aromas of spices, liquorice and ripe fruit.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal as an aperitif, this Rioja wine goes well with meat, stews and desserts, especially chocolate.