Bodegas Roda Cirsion 2018

Region and Vineyards

Cirsion is produced in the Rioja DOCa, specifically from vineyards surrounding the town of Haro in the subregion of Rioja Alta. This area enjoys a unique climatic crossroads between Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, with cool nights and warm days ensuring a long, balanced growing season. The soils are varied, predominantly alluvial and limestone-rich, contributing structure and freshness to the wines.

What sets Cirsion apart is the extreme precision in vineyard selection: the grapes are not chosen by plot, but from individual vines whose fruit exhibits unusual ripeness and complexity. Only about one vine in a thousand produces the kind of berries needed for this wine. These select grapes show natural polymerisation of tannins even before vinification, offering full texture and balance without over-extraction. This highly selective approach results in a wine of rare intensity and textural beauty.

Winemaking

Cirsion 2018 is composed of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, sourced from meticulously selected old vines. Tempranillo provides depth, structure, and ageability, while Graciano imparts aromatic lift, spice, and a fresh backbone of acidity. These two native varieties are emblematic of high-quality Rioja blends.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled French oak vats, a hallmark of Roda’s precision-driven style. The wine is then aged for eight months in 100% new French oak barrels. Unlike many prestige cuvées that undergo extended barrel aging, Cirsion requires only a short time in oak. This is due to the naturally advanced tannin ripeness in the grapes, which allows for a remarkably silky texture and integrated structure without overexposing the wine to wood. The result is a finely tuned, expressive red that balances power with restraint.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, inky purple with almost opaque density.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet of violets, wild blackberries, blueberries, and black cherries, interwoven with smoky earth, liquorice, balsamic herbs, and dark chocolate.
• Palate: Voluminous yet poised, with silky, polished tannins and rich black fruit flavors. Accents of sweet spice, graphite, and dark cocoa unfold across the palate, supported by refreshing acidity and a persistent, layered finish. The wine is wide, long, and seamlessly textured, showing elegance in its concentration.

Did you know?

The name Cirsion means "thistle" and refers to the emblem on the Bodegas Roda label. First vinified in 1997 (though never released), Cirsion has become a flagship cuvée—crafted only in vintages where select vines show a rare level of natural grape ripeness. This approach is highly unconventional in Rioja, making Cirsion a pioneering example of precision viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic – the wine’s depth and herbal nuances match the savory richness of the lamb.
• A5 Wagyu steak – the wine’s plush tannins and dark fruit complement the marbling and umami of premium beef.
• Porcini risotto with black truffle – earthy flavors resonate with the wine’s balsamic and forest-floor complexity.
• Aged Manchego – the nutty, crystalline texture of the cheese enhances the wine’s depth and length.

History of Bodegas Roda

Founded in 1987 by Mario Rottlant and Carmen Daurella, Bodegas Roda was established with the vision of creating a modern yet authentic expression of Rioja Alta wines. The winery's name, "Roda," combines the first letters of the founders' surnames. Initially, the estate focused on perfecting their wines, only releasing their first vintages in 1992.

Roda stands apart for its commitment to old bush vines—vines aged 35 years and older, with many exceeding 50 years. These mature vines yield low quantities of highly concentrated grapes, ensuring wines with depth, structure, and a clear sense of place.

Over the years, Bodegas Roda introduced iconic wines, including Roda I, characterized by darker fruit notes and mineral complexity, and Roda Reserva, which highlights red fruit and earthy tones. In 1998, Roda launched their prestigious Cirsion, a unique wine showcasing exceptional vineyard tannin selection. In 2008, the more youthful and approachable Sela was added to the portfolio.

Region and Vineyards

Bodegas Roda is located in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta, one of Spain’s most distinguished wine-growing regions. Rioja Alta benefits from its high-altitude vineyards, situated at elevations ranging between 450 and 600 meters, and its temperate Atlantic influence, which allows for slow, balanced ripening.

The soils in this region are a mix of clay-limestone and sandstone, providing excellent drainage and encouraging vines to produce grapes of exceptional concentration. The estate manages 17 distinct vineyards, all dry-farmed and pruned in the traditional "en vaso" bush vine style. This method ensures optimal ventilation and a natural balance of light and shade for the fruit.

Bodegas Roda is deeply committed to sustainable and organic viticulture, utilizing biological controls to manage pests and maintain vineyard health. The yields are intentionally kept low, averaging 30 hl/ha, to preserve the intensity and purity of the fruit.

Wine Range of Bodegas Roda

• Roda Reserva: Known for its focus on red fruits, subtle earthiness, and delicate tannins, this wine is crafted from a blend of old-vine Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano.
  • Roda I Reserva: A selection of darker-fruited Tempranillo that reflects mineral complexity and exceptional structure. It offers power, elegance, and longevity.
• Cirsion: First released in 1998, this wine is the estate’s pinnacle expression, made from select vineyard parcels with “long-chain” tannins naturally present in the grapes. It is a bold yet silky wine of great finesse.
• Sela: A younger, more approachable wine, crafted from the estate's younger vines (20+ years old) and aged in used oak. Fresh, bright, and fruit-forward, it remains unmistakably elegant.

Did You Know?

Bodegas Roda maintains a research vineyard at 550 meters altitude near Cubillas. This vineyard, planted in 2000, features 582 unique cultivars of Rioja grape varieties. It serves as a "living museum" and a testament to Roda's dedication to preserving Rioja's viticultural heritage.