Viña Ardanza | Rioja Alta | 2016

About the Rioja Alta region...

Suitable weather allowed for excellent canopy development and plant health throughout the growing cycle, which resulted in optimal ripening balance. These magnificent conditions offered fresh, elegant wines, with an intense fruit load, very silky, balanced tannins and a remarkable aptitude for aging.

The Tempranillo (78%) comes from 30-year-old vines in our Cuesta (Cenicero) and Montecillo (Fuenmayor) vineyards. The Garnacha (22%) is from La Pedriza in Tudelilla, Rioja Oriental, a 40-hectare estate with unbeatable conditions for growing this variety.

Grapes are started to be picked in mid-October. After that, the grapes are harvested manually and took in refrigerated vehicles to the winery where, for the first time in the brand’s history, they underwent our rigorous optical selection process, examining each and every berry. Alcoholic fermentation took place naturally and malolactic fermentation concluded at the end of the year. In March 2017, the chosen wines were put in barrels to start aging separately: the Tempranillo, for 36 months, with six manual rackings, in American oak barrels averaging 4 years in age; the Garnacha, for 30 months, with five manual rackings, in American oak barrels with two and three wines. The final blend was bottled in September 2020.

Garnet red, medium-high depth, with an elegant palette. The nose stands out for its power, a highly-complex blend of spicy and balsamic aromas of sweet liquorice, patisserie, vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, coffee and nutmeg, and notes of stewed red fruits. Outstanding balance, pleasant freshness and great structure in the mouth, with supple, round tannins. Very pleasant mouthfeel. An ample aftertaste of spicy notes, sweet liquorice and ripe fruit makes Viña Ardanza 2016 a timeless wine, with tremendous laying-down potential and one of the best vintages of the XXI.

Roast lamb, red meats, barbecues, large game, spicy fish casseroles, smoked and aged cheeses.