Bodegas Roda Roda Reserva 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Rioja Alta, located in northern Spain, is one of the three subregions of the Rioja DOCa and is celebrated for its ideal conditions for producing wines of elegance, balance, and longevity. The vineyards benefit from a combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, with warm, sunny days and cool nights. This diurnal temperature variation allows grapes to ripen slowly while preserving their natural acidity, resulting in wines with vibrant fruit and exceptional structure.

The soils of Rioja Alta, primarily composed of limestone, clay, and chalk, provide excellent drainage, encouraging deep root growth and low yields. The grapes for Roda Reserva 2019 are sourced from old bush vines over 30 years old, grown in sustainably managed vineyards located at elevations between 450 and 600 meters. These old vines yield small amounts of highly concentrated fruit, which is essential for crafting wines with complexity, depth, and finesse.

The 2019 vintage was marked by warm and dry conditions, ideal for achieving perfectly ripened grapes. This exceptional growing season produced wines with remarkable concentration, richness, and balance.

Winemaking

The Bodegas Roda Reserva 2019 is crafted from a blend of 94% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano, and 2% Garnacha, a composition that balances structure, freshness, and finesse. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure only the best fruit is used.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled French oak vats, a method that preserves the purity and integrity of the fruit. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, which enhances its creamy texture and softens the acidity.

The wine is then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak and 50% second-use oak. This careful aging process allows the oak influence to integrate seamlessly, imparting subtle hints of spice and vanilla without overpowering the fruit. After barrel aging, the wine is further refined through 30 months of bottle aging, which ensures harmony, complexity, and a beautifully polished final expression.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with bright garnet reflections, indicating its vibrancy and youth.
• Aroma: An expressive and layered bouquet, featuring ripe notes of black cherry, red plum, and damson, accented by floral hints of violet. Subtle undertones of spices, dark chocolate, and coffee emerge with elegant oak nuances.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays a harmonious balance of juicy red and black fruit flavors, fine-grained tannins, and vibrant acidity. The texture is smooth and velvety, leading to a long, elegant finish with lingering notes of plum, spice, and a touch of cocoa.

Did You Know?

Bodegas Roda, founded in 1987, is renowned for its innovative approach to winemaking in Rioja. By focusing on old bush vines and low-intervention methods, the estate produces wines that express the unique characteristics of Rioja Alta’s diverse terroirs. The Roda Reserva lineup exemplifies the perfect blend of modern winemaking techniques and traditional Rioja elegance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye steak: The wine’s structure and silky tannins complement the richness of the meat while enhancing its smoky flavors.
• Roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic: The ripe fruit and spice notes harmonize beautifully with the savory and herbaceous flavors of roasted lamb.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The wine’s earthy undertones and bright acidity elevate the umami richness of the mushrooms.
• Aged Manchego cheese: The smooth tannins and vibrant acidity balance the nutty, salty complexity of the cheese.

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.