Valserrano Rioja Gran Reserva 2016
The Valserrano Rioja Gran Reserva 2016 invites you into a world where tradition meets timeless elegance. The initial aromas evoke a sense of history and craftsmanship, with ripe red berries intermingling with dried figs, leather, and a whisper of aged tobacco.
Tasting this wine is like a journey through the heart of Rioja. The first sip reveals the sweetness of ripe berries balanced by the earthiness of leather and the spiciness of aged oak. As it develops on the palate, notes of vanilla and a subtle hint of tobacco emerge, each layer adding to its complexity. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of dried fruits and gentle spice.
This Gran Reserva embodies sophistication and depth, making it perfect for intimate dinners or celebratory gatherings.
Our Score: 91
Summary
Flavors: Elegant blend of ripe red fruits, subtle oak, leather, and spices, with a touch of balsamic.
Pair With: This wine shines alongside roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic, or a selection of aged Manchego and Idiazábal cheeses. The wine's complexity and structure complement the rich flavors of these traditional Spanish dishes, while its acidity cuts through the fattiness, creating a harmonious pairing.
Drink Window: Best consumed 2023-2036. While already showing beautifully, this Gran Reserva has the structure and balance to evolve gracefully over the next decade or more.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Color: Deep garnet with brick-red edges
Clarity: Clear and bright
Aroma:
Nose: Complex bouquet of ripe red berries, dried figs, leather, tobacco, and subtle vanilla
Palate:
Flavor Profile: The palate opens with a refined blend of red and dark fruits - cherries, raspberries, and blackberries - followed by a complex mid-palate showcasing flavors of leather, tobacco, and subtle oak spices. As it develops, tertiary notes of truffle and forest floor emerge, leading to a finish marked by a delicate interplay of fruit and savory elements.
Body: Full
Acidity: Medium
Tannins: Firm and well-integrated
Finish: Long and smooth, with a lasting impression of dried fruits and spices
Value for Money: Excellent quality-price ratio, providing a luxurious experience at a reasonable cost
Similar Wines: Comparable to other premium Rioja Gran Reservas such as Marques de Riscal or La Rioja Alta
Serving Temperature: 60-65°F (15-18°C)
Decanting: Recommended for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop
Fun Fact: The winery's name "Valserrano" comes from the Val Serrano valley where some of their oldest vineyards are located.
Technical Details
Winery: Bodegas de la Marquesa - Valserrano (www.valserrano.com). A family-owned estate renowned for producing high-quality Rioja wines, emphasizing traditional methods and meticulous attention to detail.
Vintage: 2016. The 2016 vintage in Rioja was characterized by a warm, dry summer followed by beneficial rains in September, resulting in grapes with excellent ripeness and balance.
Varietal(s): 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
Region: Rioja, Spain
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 14%
Price Range: $40-$50
Quality Price Ratio (QPR) Score: A
Winery Location Details: Bodegas de la Marquesa - Valserrano is located in Villabuena de Álava, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 400-600 meters above sea level, benefiting from a unique microclimate influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The soil is predominantly calcareous clay, ideal for producing high-quality Tempranillo and Graciano grapes. The region is characterized by rolling hills and a patchwork of vineyards interspersed with olive groves and small forests, creating a picturesque landscape that has been shaped by centuries of winemaking tradition.
Production: The grapes for Valserrano Rioja Gran Reserva are hand-harvested from old vines, some over 80 years old. After careful selection, the grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine then spends 24 months aging in a combination of French and American oak barrels, followed by at least 36 months of bottle aging before release, in accordance with Gran Reserva regulations.
Other Ratings:
Wine Spectator: 94
Wine Enthusiast: 93
James Suckling: 95
Robert Parker: 94
Deep Dive
Valserrano's winemaking philosophy combines tradition with innovation, utilizing both time-honored techniques and modern technology to produce exceptional wines.
Valserrano was one of the first wineries in Rioja to incorporate Graciano into their blends, a grape known for adding freshness and aging potential.
The winery practices sustainable viticulture, minimizing the use of chemicals and promoting biodiversity in the vineyards.
Rioja Alavesa, where Valserrano is located, is known for producing some of the most elegant and age-worthy wines in the Rioja region.
Valserrano's Gran Reserva represents less than 5% of their total production, highlighting its premium status in their portfolio.