La Rioja Alta's Viña Arana Gran Reserva — deep cherry-red with a garnet rim, intense and fragrant with ripe dark fruit, red berries, wild strawberries, and balsamic notes of tobacco, caramel, vanilla, and dark chocolate, fresh and vibrant in the mouth with soft tannins and the balanced elegance that is the keynote of this wine.
Tasting Notes
Lovely deep cherry-red with a marked garnet rim. High aromatic intensity on the nose with notes of ripe dark fruit leading to an elegant range of balsamic notes — tobacco leaves, caramel, vanilla, and chocolate — interwoven with red berries, wild strawberries, and plum jam. Fresh and vibrant on the palate with outstanding freshness and balanced acidity. Soft tannins and a pleasant structure provide an elegantly joyful mouthfeel. Complex and long-finishing, with spice and balsamic hints through the close. 95 points James Suckling, 93 points Wine Advocate, 96 points Peñín Guide.
Quick Facts
- Grapes: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano (vinified and aged separately)
- Origin: Spain, Rioja Alta (La Rioja Alta S.A., Haro, founded 1890)
- Style: Gran Reserva, 3 years American oak, 3 years bottle ageing before release
- Winemaking: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, aged separately in American oak with traditional rackings, blended before bottling
Food Pairing
All kinds of meats, stews, seasoned fish, and desserts with chocolate or red berries. Perfect as an after-dinner drink.
Serving
Serve at 16°C. Decant 20 minutes before serving. Will continue to develop in bottle for many years.
About the Producer
La Rioja Alta is one of the founding wineries of the Rioja appellation, established in 1890 in Haro and still producing wines of exceptional quality and classical style from Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano.
