La Rioja Alta, S.A. - Viña Arana - Gran Reserva Rioja
93 points - The Wine Advocate
92 points - The Wine Advocate
92 points - The Wine Advocate
La Rioja Alta, S.A. - Viña Arana - Gran Reserva Rioja
93 points - The Wine Advocate
92 points - The Wine Advocate
92 points - The Wine Advocate
Regular price€48.00
€48.00
/
- In stock
- Inventory on the way
The 2016 Viña Arana Gran Reserva is an elegant blend of Tempranillo with 5% Graciano matured in used American oak barrels for three years. During this time, the wine was manually racked from barrel to barrel, with the help of a candle, six times. It's ripe at 14.5% alcohol, with pungent notes of forest floor and truffles, dark spices and an earthy touch. It has a powerful palate, with very good freshness and acidity, reflecting the cooler year. It has some tannins that would welcome food.
The 2015 Viña Arana Gran Reserva, which was classified as a Reserva until 2011, represents a new Gran Reserva style that balances freshness and vibrancy with intensity, sophistication, and aging potential. It is crafted from a blend of Tempranillo sourced from Rodezno and 5% Graciano from Fuenmayor. The grapes underwent optical sorting and were fermented in stainless steel for 19 days before maturing in American oak barrels for three years, with rackings every six months.
This wine embodies the classic Haro style of Rioja Claret. Noting that certain exceptional vintages of this wine exhibited characteristics akin to a Gran Reserva—closer in style to their 904—they aimed to establish a consistent Gran Reserva expression that is more approachable than the 904 or 890. Starting with the 2012 vintage, Mazuelo was replaced with Graciano, a variety they consider particularly well-suited for Gran Reserva wines.
The 2015 vintage displays a more developed nose with tertiary notes and a hint of funkiness. Rather than positioning this as a smaller counterpart to the 904, the intention is for Viña Arana to serve as the entry point into the Gran Reserva category, appealing to a younger generation with a fresher and less complex profile while still offering good aging potential. In years when the 904 is not produced, its grapes are allocated to Viña Arana. The palate reveals firm tannins and a dry finish.
2012 was an unusual vintage in Rioja, as it was warm and dry, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. The 2012 Viña Arana Gran Reserva shows that character, as it's ripe and has concentration but is quite balanced. There are some creamy notes and plenty of underbrush, wet forest floor, spice and smoke, very recognizable as Rioja. It's clean, aromatic and open. Very pleasant and approachable, with enough grip to stand up to most foods. This is already a Gran Reserva.
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Spain |
Region: |
La Rioja |
Appellation: |
Rioja |
Producer: |
La Rioja Alta, S.A. |
Grapes/Blend: |
Graciano, Tempranillo |
ABV: |
14.5% |
Pairing Sugesstions: |
Shellfish, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Grilled Meats, Charcuterie and Cured Meats, Mushrooms, Grilled Vegetables, Aromatic Spices, Manchego, Walnuts, Fruit-Based Desserts |
Local Delivery
We have a fleet of vans that deliver throughout the French and Italian Riviera, rates calculated based on distance at cart stage. Option to book time and date.
For deliveries further afield, please call for a quote: +33 4 65 84 99 51
France / Monaco
1 - 2 working days delivery in France, for orders placed before 2pm.
Options for couriers and drop off points available at checkout.
EU - Mainland
1 - 3 day delivery throughout mainland EU, for orders placed before 2pm. Allow an extra day for islands.
Options for couriers and drop off points available at checkout.
Rest of the World
Please call for a quote: +33 4 65 84 99 51
