Valserrano Rioja Reserva 2018/19, Bodegas de la Marquesa

Rioja Alavesa from a family estate. Twenty five pounds a bottle for a proper Reserva is getting harder to find every year. This long established family Bodega lies in the best part of Rioja, on the limestone ridges of the Alavesa region. They only use fruit from their own vineyards and have rigorous standards in the cellars in order to create wines with elegance and pungency combined with the soft spicy allure that only well made Tempranillo can offer. Valserrano is gaining a reputation amongst Rioja's best, receiving high score from renowned wine critics. TASTING NOTE; Aged for 24 months in American and French oak. The Reserva is powerful and mouth-filling with juicy berry fruit flavours and hints of toasted oak. Intensely aromatic with redcurrant, blueberry, balsamic, and herbal notes. The palate is fresh and lively, and the wine boasts a harmonious structure with smooth tannins. Great ageing potential. VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING; Our plots are situated on sun-kissed slopes that descend from the Sierra de Cantabria. Bush and wire-trained vines with average age of over 40 years. Cold maceration and fermentation at a controlled temperature. 30 months ageing in American and French-oak casks before being kept for a few months in vats before bottling.