Bodegas Ondarre – Rioja Tinto ‘Rivallana’ – 2023

PRODUCER NOTE:
Bodegas Ondarre was founded in 1985, with the aim of creating wines which showcase the region’s distinct terroirs. Situated in the town of Viana overlooking the Rioja Valley in Rioja Oriental, Bodegas Ondarre is the only winery in the village of Viana. They have formed trusted relationships with the highest quality growers in the area, with whom they have been working since their inception. The Reservas are Bodegas Ondarre’s most acclaimed wines, which win top awards and critical approval every year. They attribute their success to hard work in the vineyards and their continual investment in the winery and barrel stock. They use both French and American oak casks to help them obtain the character in their wines. They also produce a few thousand cases of a single varietal Graciano – a real rarity due to the low yielding nature of this variety.

VINEYARD:
The vineyards are situated on Rioja Valley’s northern hills on south-facing slopes, at an altitude of 550 metres above sea level. The vines, which have an average age of 25 years, are planted in uneven terrain due to several streams that run down the mountains that mark the northern border of Rioja. The soils are generally poor in nutrients and very shallow, just 30 to 35 centimetres in depth, which encourage the vines to send their roots deeper in search of nutrients and water. The soils vary from plot to plot, but there is a prevalence of clay based soils with high iron and chalk content. The clay content retains water, which nourishes the vines during the warm summers and the iron content is an essential nutrient for photosynthesis.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were fermented with carefully selected yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 20 to 24°C, to retain freshness and the purity of fruit. Maceration did not exceed 12 days to ensure the extraction captured the essence of the fruit and a smooth structure. The wine was racked into large oak vats for a short period of time before being gently fined and bottled, resulting in an easy drinking style.

TASTING NOTE:
Made in a modern, easy drinking style, this Rioja is bursting with juicy red-berried summer fruit and a touch of vanilla. Beautifully balanced, soft and approachable.

GRAPE:
Tempranillo 95%, Mazuelo 3%, Graciano 2%.

COUNTRY:
Spain

REGION:
Rioja

SUB-REGION:
Rioja