Bodegas Roda Roda I 2017

Region and Vineyards

The Rioja DOCa, Spain's first region to achieve the prestigious Qualified Designation of Origin (DOCa) in 1991, is synonymous with exceptional quality and tradition. Rioja Alta, one of the region’s three subzones, is celebrated for its high-altitude vineyards and cool Atlantic influences, which produce wines of finesse, freshness, and longevity.

The vineyards for Roda I Reserva 2017 are located in Haro and the surrounding villages of Ollauri, Cihuri, Gimileo, and Villalba. Planted on limestone-rich soils, the vines are cultivated as bush vines and are over 50 years old. This traditional approach naturally limits yields to 1.5 kg per vine, ensuring that the grapes achieve maximum concentration and complexity. The terroir and meticulous vineyard management allow for wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a clear expression of their origin.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for Roda I Reserva 2017 is a balance of tradition and innovation, reflecting Bodegas Roda’s philosophy of minimal intervention and precision.

The wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, and 4% Garnacha. After a careful hand-harvest and grape sorting, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak to develop its texture and complexity. This is followed by an aging period of 16 months in French oak barriques, with 50% new oak and 50% second-use barrels, ensuring a harmonious integration of wood and fruit.

Once the barrel aging is complete, Roda I Reserva 2017 matures for an additional 2 years in bottle, allowing the flavors to meld and the tannins to soften, resulting in a polished, seamless wine. This extended maturation enhances the wine's structure, depth, and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, dark ruby red with garnet hues at the rim.
• Aroma: Intense and layered, with notes of blackberries, ripe blueberries, and figs, intertwined with hints of cedar, roasted meat, and subtle spices.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture. Flavors of black fruit, such as plums and blackberries, dominate, complemented by fresh acidity and finely integrated oak. The wine is juicy, textured, and concentrated, with a long, polished finish showcasing notes of spice and cedar.

Did You Know?

Bodegas Roda is often described as “the most modern of the traditionalists and the most traditional of the modernists.” Founded in 1987, the estate combines cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for Rioja’s winemaking heritage. Their gravity-flow winery and extensive use of French oak exemplify their innovative approach to producing world-class wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Côte de bœuf grillée : The structure and black fruit flavors of the wine pair perfectly with the rich, smoky notes of a grilled ribeye steak.
• Ragoût d’agneau aux épices douces : The plush tannins and spice notes complement the savory depth of slow-cooked lamb.
• Risotto aux champignons sauvages : The earthy, umami flavors of the mushrooms highlight the wine’s dark fruit and subtle oak.
• Fromage manchego affiné : The concentrated fruit and vibrant acidity provide balance to the salty, nutty profile of aged Manchego.

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.