Rioja reserva 2018 (Valenciso)

Drink today or cellar for up to 15 years. Decant before drinking. Valenciso was founded in 1998 by Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso, who initially started working together on a traditional Rioja house. Inspired by Tempranillo, they founded the winery with the mission to showcase the native Spanish grape variety, known for being robust yet elegant and pure. The name, Valenciso, is a clever combination of the two surnames, Valentín and Enciso. The Valenciso winemaking philosophy is rooted in the concept of minimum intervention and allowing the necessary time in all steps of winemaking, from vineyard to bottle. Today, Valenciso is the only winery in the region utilizing only concrete vessels for fermentation. Exclusively from the north of La Rioja Alta, the wine is sourced from 60-year-old vines and exhibits fresh acidity and bold tannins, with an exquisitely nuanced flavor profile. On the nose is immediate leather, smoked cedar, and cocoa with a hint of balsamic reduction. The palate features ripe blackberry, cherry, and plum with sweet tobacco, and vanilla. Try this wine with barbecued meat dishes, poultry, hearty pastas, polenta, and Mexican cuisine.