Region and Vineyards
Viña Ardanza is produced in Rioja Alta, one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions. The Tempranillo (80%) for this wine comes from La Rioja Alta’s La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards in Fuenmayor and Cenicero. These vines are over 30 years old, rooted in predominantly clay-limestone soils, which impart structure and elegance to the wine.
The Garnacha (20%) is sourced from La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla, located in Rioja Oriental at an elevation of 500 meters. This 70-hectare site features deep, rocky soils and provides outstanding conditions for cultivating Garnacha, resulting in grapes with exceptional aromatic intensity and finesse.
Winemaking
Harvested manually at the end of September, the grapes underwent strict selection via optical sorting tables to ensure only the best fruit was used. After fermentation, the Tempranillo was aged for 36 months in four-year-old American oak barrels, with six manual rackings, while the Garnacha aged for 30 months in barrels that had previously held two to three wines, with five manual rackings. The final blend was bottled in June 2020 after the components were aged separately.
This meticulous process preserves the distinct character of each varietal, ensuring a balanced and harmonious blend that reflects the vintage’s exceptional quality.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Intense garnet red with a clear rim.
- Aroma: Aromatically intense, featuring notes of spices and balsamic touches such as liquorice, clove, nutmeg, and black pepper, complemented by ripe red fruit like brandied cherry and raspberry jam.
- Palate: Well-balanced and fresh, with a broad range of flavors, silky tannins, and a spicy, balsam-like finish. This wine is at its prime yet holds significant ageing potential.
Did you know?
The 2016 vintage is celebrated as an excellent year in Rioja, marked by balanced acidity, ripe tannins, and high aromatic intensity. Despite the dry summer, the wines achieved exceptional quality, reflecting the resilience of the vineyards and the expertise of La Rioja Alta in managing challenging conditions.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Braised lamb shanks with rosemary: The wine’s structure and balsamic notes complement the richness and herbal tones of braised lamb.
- Rioja-style oxtail stew: The silky tannins and spice profile pair beautifully with the hearty, slow-cooked flavors of oxtail.
- Chocolate-glazed desserts: The wine’s balance of fruit and spice adds depth and contrast to rich chocolate dishes.
- Charcuterie and Manchego cheese: A classic pairing that highlights the wine’s versatility and depth.
