Vina Dorana Rioja Reserva 2017

Description: this wine is made from 100% tempranillo, from vineyards with ‘bushvines’ against the foothills of the Cantabrian mountains. Matured for 18 months in half American and half French oak, both new and used. Then matured for 2 years in the bottle in the cellars of the bodega. Layered wine, with soft flavors of ripe black fruit (cherry, plum, blackberry), hints of spices (including vanilla), some cedar wood, tutti frutti. Rich and long finish. Mature wine with a gentle character.

Winery: Goméz Cruzado, a bodega boutique in Haro, Rioja Alta. Family business since 1886 and now led by David Gonzalez. A winemaker with an eye for tradition and especially looking at the terroir of the region for the grape variety in question. Goméz Cruzado believes above all in the terroir and the people who have worked their lives in the vineyards. This ensures that the wines excel at every level; both the generic Crianza and the ‘single vineyard’ wines are worth every euro. Traditionally, Goméz Cruzado is also praised for its white Riojas. While making the blanco variant is seen as an extra by many bodegas, it is a real tradition here and a large part of the production (around 25%) is reserved for white wines.

Area: La Rioja is an autonomous region and province in the north of Spain, directly below the Basque Country. We know it mainly from its wine growing, perhaps the most famous area in Spain. There is wine growing in all shapes and sizes, ranging from cheap and mediocre in quality, to top quality with similar prices. Tempranillo is by far the most important grape variety here, although a limited amount of other grapes may also be used. Rioja Alta is the northwestern part of the Rioja area, and the most sought-after in terms of quality.