Tasting notes:
Rioja Vega Reserva, deep red cherry colour, the nose displays an array of aromas of very ripe fruit, toast toffee and vanilla, and unctuous, velvety and balanced on the palate, with a good, high-quality tannic structure. Ageing is made two years in American oak barrels, followed by at least one years ageing in the bottle.
Food match:
Red meats, roast lamb, chicken stews, mature cheeses or roasted vegetables.
Producer/Region:
Initially started as the dream of one man, Don Felipe Ugalde in 1882, this winery has seen ongoing growth and development over the years. Don’s aim was simple, to be one of the countries most prestigious Bodega’s. Although his winery passed down the family line, it was through marriage that it became united with Bodegas Muerza, hence losing its identity.
Today it is owned by the group Principe de Viana who acquired it in 1983 providing investment in new equipment, staff and in 2001 a new winery, 10km outside Logrono, complete with an underground ageing cellar. The new cellars incorporated modern equipment such as self-weighing hoppers, pneumatic presses and self-emptying stainless steel vats. This level of development has allowed not only the fruit from their own vineyards to be processed. But also that of surrounding contract growers so that it has been able to produce this range of great value for money wines.
Grapes sourced from vineyards planted over 30 years ago close to the winery. Average altitude 400 m.
The soils are clay – silt – loam based with an abundance of pebble stones, which favour the quality of the tannins in the wines, increasing their ageing potential. The subsoil o-ers good drainage, with cracks that allow the roots of the vines to penetrate deeply in search of water and nutrients, helping consistency and body in the resulting wines. They allow for fine wine making and the development of true Tempranillo varietal character.
For more information about the producer:Â https://www.riojavega.com/en
