Lalomba is Ramón Bilbao's single vineyard project, a deliberate move away from the blended, oak-defined Rioja tradition towards wines that name their plot. Finca Valhonta is old vine Tempranillo on poor, rocky ground at altitude.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red with violet reflections. An expressive nose of ripe black fruit, violets, fresh herbs and mineral notes with hints of spice and cedar. Full bodied and structured on the palate, with polished tannins and a core of dark berries, graphite and toasted oak, closing long and elegant with balanced acidity. Fermented in concrete and aged in 500 litre French oak and concrete eggs rather than the small American barrels of classic Rioja, which is what keeps the fruit and the site at the front of the wine.
Quick Facts
- Grape: 100% Tempranillo
- Origin: Spain, Rioja Oriental (Finca Valhonta, high altitude, poor rocky soils)
- ABV: 14.5%
- Style: Dry red, single vineyard, full bodied, structured
- Viticulture: Hand harvested from old vines, sustainable practices
- Winemaking: Cold maceration and fermentation in concrete, aged in 500 litre French oak barrels and concrete eggs
Food Pairing
Grilled lamb or beef with rosemary, game, roast duck, truffle risotto, wild mushroom dishes, and aged Manchego or hard sheep's cheeses.
Serving
Serve at 16 to 18°C. Decant before pouring to reveal its depth.
About the Producer
Bodegas Ramón Bilbao was founded in Haro in 1924 and is one of the most widely recognised names in Rioja. Lalomba is its premium single vineyard project, built on the idea that Rioja should be able to speak of specific places rather than only of ageing categories.
