La Rioja Alta : Gran Reserva 904 2009

Characteristics and tasting advice for La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2009

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a remarkably intense cherry-red color, perfectly limpid and bright.

Nose
The bouquet reveals great aromatic complexity with notes of vanilla, toasted caramel, chocolate mint, tea leaves, and cinnamon. With aeration, the nose evolves toward baked fruit and prune aromas.

Palate
On the palate, this wine charms with its creamy texture and perfect balance. Harmonious freshness accompanies silky, well-managed tannins, leading to an elegant, complex finish with beautiful length.

Food and wine pairings

This Gran Reserva pairs perfectly with main courses, all kinds of meats, and stews. It also matches well with chocolate desserts.

Serving and aging

Gran Reserva 904 2009 benefits from a light aeration to fully reveal its aromatic qualities.

A Gran Reserva from La Rioja with complex aromas and refined elegance

The estate

Founded in 1890 in Haro in La Rioja, La Rioja Alta remains a benchmark family-owned estate. Still in the hands of the founding families, the Gran Reserva 890 and 904 cuvées pay tribute to the year of foundation and to the 1904 merger with Bodegas Ardanza. Recognized as one of the most admired brands in the world, the estate embodies tradition, outstanding quality, and international influence.

The vineyard

The grapes come from exceptional vines in La Rioja: Tempranillo from vines over 60 years old located in Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba, while Graciano comes from the Montecillo vineyard in the municipality of Fuenmayor.

The vintage

Winter water reserves supported balanced ripening despite intense summer heat and drought. Mid-September rains slowed maturation, allowing for a good alcohol and phenolic balance. Favorable weather conditions thereafter enabled the production of this Gran Reserva in an overall high-quality vintage.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are harvested in boxes and transported in refrigerated vehicles. After gentle destemming and crushing, alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Aging for Gran Reserva 904 2009 began in April 2010 in 4-year-old American oak barrels made on site, with traditional rackings from barrel to barrel every six months. The final blend was bottled in November 2014.

Grape varieties

Tempranillo (90%) and Graciano (10%).