La Rioja Alta : Gran Reserva 904 2011

The elegance and richness of a Rioja red wine

The estate

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

Gran Reserva 904 2011 by La Rioja Alta is a Rioja wine made from a selection of vineyards located in the municipalities of Briñas, Rodezno and Villalba as well as the Montecillo estate in Fuenmayor.

The vintage

Although the beginning of the year was marked by particularly dry conditions, the vineyards drew on the water reserves of their soils which enabled the grapes to achieve a balanced growth. As the harvest approaches, the alternation of sunny days and cool nights are ideal conditions and helped to refine the ripeness of the grapes.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are cooled before vinification. Destemming and light crushing before alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in steel vats. The wine is aged in fourth-fill American oak barrels for three years, accompanied by eight rackings. The final blend was bottled in November 2016.

The blend

Tempranillo (89%)

Graciano (11%)

La Rioja Alta’s Gran Reserva 904 2011: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Intense cherry red colour with garnet highlights.

Nose

Complex, the nose blends fruity (blackberry jam, raspberry and orange peel), spicy and woody (cedar, toasted wood) fragrances with delicious balsamic notes reminiscent of a cigar box, liquorice and cloves. As the wine is aerated, mentholated and chocolate notes amerge.

Palate

A refined attack precedes a seductively fresh and lively palate. Perfectly balanced, the palate harmoniously blends silky tannins with delicious citrus notes that seamlessly weave into a soft and persistent finish.

Food and wine pairing

This Rioja wine will pair with meats, stews and chocolate desserts.