Description

La Rioja Alta established back in 1890 is one of Rioja’s great names and sits at the pinnacle of Riojan winemaking. With their huge vineyard holdings and careful attention to every aspect of winemaking their wines alway sought after and rewarding.

This the new  and second ever release, of the superb Viña Arana Gran Reserva a blend of 94% Tempranillo from the estates Las Cuevas, El Palo and Las Monjas vineyards in Rodezno south of Haro and 6% Graciano from their  Montecillo Estate in Fuenmayor west of Logroño.  After fermentation in stainless steel and aging separatelyfor 3 years in 3 year old American oak barrels, it is assembled under the watchful eye of winemaker Julio Sáenz, before further 3 years aging in bottle before release.

Arana is always one of the fuller more voluptuous wine of their range but this Gran Reserva seems bigger and sweeter fruited, yet with all the complex spice and vanilla notes and a structure which will see it keep beautifully, drinking well now but tuck it away for a few years and this will be stunning.