La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza 2016

The Viña Ardanza Rioja Reserva is an outstanding style of Rioja made from a blend of Tempranillo (78%) and Garnacha (22%) grapes. The Tempranillo grapes come from La Rioja Alta’s 30-year-old La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, located in Fuenmayor y Cenicero. The Garnacha comes from La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla (Rioja Oriental) a 70 hectare property that offers unbeatable conditions for growing this variety. The selected wines were put in barrels to start ageing separately, the Tempranillo for 36 months in American oak and the Garnacha for 30 months in American oak. The final blend took place after the barrel ageing was completed and the wine was bottled in March 2016. The first nose is very intense, with spicy, balsamic and ripe fruit notes. After swirling, aromas of black pepper, sweet liquorice, nutmeg, coffee, vanilla and cinnamon make their appearance. Mouth full of flavours, with a pleasant acidity and balance, and very polished tannins that enhance the harmonious structure. Complex and elegant aftertaste with spicy and balsamic hints. To enjoy right now, but with a long life ahead.