Bodegas Roda Sela 2023

Region and Vineyards

Bodegas Roda is situated in the heart of Haro, within the prestigious Rioja Alta subregion. Rioja is Spain’s first DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada), a designation that recognizes its long-standing commitment to quality and tradition.

The vineyards for Sela 2020 consist of low-yielding bush vines aged between 15 and 30 years, planted at elevations of 450 to 600 meters above sea level. These vines thrive in limestone soils interspersed with layers of chalk and minimal nutrients, which encourage the vines to produce grapes of exceptional concentration and balance.

The region’s continental climate, moderated by Atlantic influences, ensures a long, steady ripening period, preserving the vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity of the grapes.

Winemaking

The blend for Sela 2020 is composed of 94% Tempranillo, 4% Garnacha, and 2% Graciano. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to maintain their integrity and purity.

Following fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, which softens the acidity and enhances the wine’s texture. The wine is then aged for 12 months in second and third-year French oak barriques, ensuring subtle oak integration without overpowering the fruit.

This meticulous winemaking process results in a balanced, modern Rioja that highlights the freshness and elegance of the region’s grapes while respecting its tradition.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with violet hues.
• Aroma: Expressive and fresh, with notes of plums, blueberries, and hints of orange zest. Subtle floral notes of violet and a delicate touch of spice enhance its aromatic complexity.
• Palate: Juicy and medium-bodied, offering ripe red and blue fruit flavors balanced by silky, well-integrated tannins. The wine’s refreshing acidity provides energy and lift, while the finish delivers a pleasant grip and lingering notes of spice and fresh berries.

Did You Know?

Bodegas Roda is considered “the most modern of the traditionalists and the most traditional of the modernists.” Since its founding in 1987, the winery has embraced cutting-edge techniques while remaining committed to minimal intervention and sustainable viticulture.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Paella aux champignons et chorizo : Les arômes épicés et fruités du vin s’accordent parfaitement avec les saveurs riches et terreuses de la paella.
• Carré d’agneau rôti aux herbes : La structure tannique douce et les fruits rouges équilibrent les saveurs savoureuses de l’agneau.
• Poulet rôti aux poivrons grillés : L’acidité vive et la texture soyeuse du vin complètent les notes légèrement fumées du plat.
• Fromage Manchego affiné : Le caractère salé et noisetté du fromage s’accorde harmonieusement avec la fraîcheur fruitée du vin.

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.