The Vina Ardanza Reserva from La Rioja Alta is the elegant, finer Rioja type, which is why it is also bottled in Burgundy bottles to distinguish it from the stronger types in Bordeaux bottles. 80% Tempranillo from Fuenmayor and Cenicero in the Rioja Alta and 20% Garnacha from Tudelilla in the Rioja Baja are matured in used barriques for 30-36 months not intended. After about 4 years, the final cuvée is bottled and then stored for another two years before the wine is sold. The Vina Ardanza is only available in particularly suitable years. This was last the case in 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2008. 2014, 2013 and 2011 have been omitted.
The Rioja Ardanza 2016 is slightly lighter than the other wines of the house due to the relatively high proportion of Garnacha grapes, which does not mean that it is lighter. Aromas such as herbs, cinnamon, chocolate, cranberries, balsamic notes, cocoa and coffee beans can be found here. It has a more red berry character and a lot of extract, which covers the tannins that are present very well, almost even hiding them. The 14.5% alcohol is practically imperceptible to the senses, the wine is aromatically relatively cool and convinces with its finesse and structure. Stylistically a Burgundy from the Rioja. Will live long. The winery even calls this wine timeless and rates it as one of the best vintages of the 21st century. In any case, we are just as excited!
Food suggestions: lamb, beef, BBQ, stews and aged cheeses.
The Ardanza Reserva was literally overwhelmed by euphoric reviews:
James Suckling: 95 Punkte (vintage 2016)
Guia Penin: 95 Punkte (vintage 2016)
Parker's Wine Advocate: 94+/100 (2016 vintage)
International Wine and Spirit Competition: Gold (vintage 2015)
Robert Parker / The Wine Advocate: 94 Punkte (vintage 2012)
Decanter: 94 Punkte - Best spanish red wine 2020 (vintage 2012)
Drink:
now until 2040+
Analysis:
14.5% alc. vol., 6.2 g/l acid, 1.6 g / l residual sugar
