On the nose a spicy and earthy character dominates: mushroom, tobacco, nutmeg, mocha and chocolate. From the background, hints of cherries and stewed plums come forward. In the mouth smooth and well balanced, with elegant tannins and a good acidity. The wine is tasty and leaves you with a fairly long aftertaste.
This Reserva is produced by La Rioja Alta winery, founded in 1890 by five Riojan and Basque families, whom offsprings still control the company.
It is probably not a coincidence that the House’s first winemaker was a Frenchman. Although it prides itself with a winemaking tradition dating back hundreds of years, the Rioja region greatly benefited from the arrival of French winemakers in the late 19th century.
France had been hit by the devastating phylloxera and the French winemakers were looking for new vineyards close to home and with easy access to the international market. Haro was an ideal location, being linked to the port of Bilbao through the railway.
Viña Ardanza 2009 is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. The Tempranillo has spent 36 months in American oak barrels, the Garnacha 30 months.
This bottle reminds me of the more prestigious and pricey Gran Reservas: 904 and 890. I tasted both a few years ago and honestly wasn’t able to really appreciate them. I find that this Reserva is similar to the Gran Reservas on the basic characteristics, but in a kind of gentler version, which appeals more to my taste.
As a reference, at La Rioja Alta winery this Reserva Viña Ardanza 2009 sells for 18 EUR, while the Gran Reserva 904 2009 costs 34 EUR. For a Gran Reserva 890 2005 that spent 6 years in barrels you have to pay 91 EUR.
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Grapes: Tempranillo, Garnacha
Type: Red
Vintage: 2009
Producer: La Rioja Alta
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5