We have a bit more of this exceptional Rioja deal From Bodegas Riojanas. These are available at our same low pricing. This is drinking great now and is one that could be enjoyed over the holidays but is also a candidate for cellaring even at this price point. This is a classic expression of Rioja and one of the best buys of the vintage for Spain.
This is one of the best Rioja deals we have offered, we have special pricing today on this excellent bottle. A follow-up to our recent offer of the '98, this Bodega was Established in 1890 and stands as a prominent figure in the Rioja winemaking scene. With a history spanning over a century, this winery has cultivated its reputation through a commitment to tradition and quality. Nestled in the heart of the Rioja in Spain, Bodegas Riojanas boasts an expansive vineyard covering approximately 200+ hectares in Cenicero, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, and nearby towns. The vines are mainly planted to Tempranillo, but they also have some of the largest vineyards dedicated to Mazuelo and Graciano. The different plots of vineyards are situated on clay-limestone of Miocene origin, suitable for the highest quality fruit. The winemaking style is deeply rooted in the Rioja tradition, focusing on extended aging in an equal split between American and French oak barrels, promoting the signature style.
The Gran Reserva comes from 100% Tempranillo from the heart of Cenicero in Rioja Alta, and this area was specifically chosen to be the best candidate for the Gran Reserva level. The vines are goblet trained, much like you see with Gamay in Beaujolais and Zinfandel in California, and are located very close to the winery, so little transportation is needed. The vines are grown between 1,400 and 1,700 elevation, making it one of the highest sites for Riojanas, causing slower ripening and allowing more complex development. This spent 36 months in a combination of French and American oak and another 24 in bottle before it was released. The Bodega held a bit of the 1998 back, and these were released earlier this year and are in perfect condition.
This fantastic wine checks all the boxes for a beautiful Rioja at such reasonable pricing. As far as great red wines in the old world go, this is nearly unbeatable for the price-quality, solidifying Spain as one of the last old regions where you can still find great deals.
John Gilman 94 pts! "The 2016 Monte Real “Gran Reserva” from Bodegas Riojanas is the new release from this fine estate. It is composed entirely from tempranillo and raised in a split of half American and half French oak casks. The 2016 version is already beautiful aromatic, with the bouquet hopping from the glass in a complex blend of red and black cherries, raspberries, cigar wrapper, dark soil tones, woodsmoke, beautiful Rioja spice tones and a nice synthesis of cedary and coconutty oak. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, focused and tangy, with a lovely core of fruit, beautiful soil signature and grip, ripe, seamless tannins and a long, impeccably balanced and complex finish. This is starting to drink nicely, but like every vintage of Monte Real Gran Reserva, it is still a puppy at seven years of age and will be a far more profound wine twenty years down the road. Not that I had any difficulties finishing the bottle! (Drink between 2023 - 2085)"
2016 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Gran Reserva
2016 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Gran Reserva
We have a bit more of this exceptional Rioja deal From Bodegas Riojanas. These are available at our same low pricing. This is drinking great now and is one that could be enjoyed over the holidays but is also a candidate for cellaring even at this price point. This is a classic expression of Rioja and one of the best buys of the vintage for Spain.
This is one of the best Rioja deals we have offered, we have special pricing today on this excellent bottle. A follow-up to our recent offer of the '98, this Bodega was Established in 1890 and stands as a prominent figure in the Rioja winemaking scene. With a history spanning over a century, this winery has cultivated its reputation through a commitment to tradition and quality. Nestled in the heart of the Rioja in Spain, Bodegas Riojanas boasts an expansive vineyard covering approximately 200+ hectares in Cenicero, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, and nearby towns. The vines are mainly planted to Tempranillo, but they also have some of the largest vineyards dedicated to Mazuelo and Graciano. The different plots of vineyards are situated on clay-limestone of Miocene origin, suitable for the highest quality fruit. The winemaking style is deeply rooted in the Rioja tradition, focusing on extended aging in an equal split between American and French oak barrels, promoting the signature style.
The Gran Reserva comes from 100% Tempranillo from the heart of Cenicero in Rioja Alta, and this area was specifically chosen to be the best candidate for the Gran Reserva level. The vines are goblet trained, much like you see with Gamay in Beaujolais and Zinfandel in California, and are located very close to the winery, so little transportation is needed. The vines are grown between 1,400 and 1,700 elevation, making it one of the highest sites for Riojanas, causing slower ripening and allowing more complex development. This spent 36 months in a combination of French and American oak and another 24 in bottle before it was released. The Bodega held a bit of the 1998 back, and these were released earlier this year and are in perfect condition.
This fantastic wine checks all the boxes for a beautiful Rioja at such reasonable pricing. As far as great red wines in the old world go, this is nearly unbeatable for the price-quality, solidifying Spain as one of the last old regions where you can still find great deals.
John Gilman 94 pts! "The 2016 Monte Real “Gran Reserva” from Bodegas Riojanas is the new release from this fine estate. It is composed entirely from tempranillo and raised in a split of half American and half French oak casks. The 2016 version is already beautiful aromatic, with the bouquet hopping from the glass in a complex blend of red and black cherries, raspberries, cigar wrapper, dark soil tones, woodsmoke, beautiful Rioja spice tones and a nice synthesis of cedary and coconutty oak. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, focused and tangy, with a lovely core of fruit, beautiful soil signature and grip, ripe, seamless tannins and a long, impeccably balanced and complex finish. This is starting to drink nicely, but like every vintage of Monte Real Gran Reserva, it is still a puppy at seven years of age and will be a far more profound wine twenty years down the road. Not that I had any difficulties finishing the bottle! (Drink between 2023 - 2085)"
