La Rioja Alta : Vina Ardanza Reserva 2019

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Viña Ardanza Reserva 2019 from La Rioja Alta

Tasting

Color

The color displays a bright, vivid cherry red of medium to high intensity, with a garnet rim.

Nose

The nose reveals fine aromatic complexity. Aromas of ripe red fruit dominate, notably blackcurrant, black cherry and plum. These fruity notes are enhanced by balsamic and spicy nuances of black pepper, clove, vanilla and nutmeg. With aeration, hints of tobacco, leather, coffee and chocolate emerge, accompanied by subtle notes of orange peel.

Palate

On the palate, this wine charms with its remarkable balance between fruity freshness and tannic structure. The texture is velvety, carried by supple, elegant tannins. Polished acidity brings liveliness, while flavors of red and black fruit linger, complemented by notes of vanilla, spices and balsamic tones. The finish, long and persistent, retains this characteristic spicy, balsamic balance.

Food and wine pairings

Viña Ardanza Reserva 2019 pairs perfectly with quality red meats, especially roasted lamb. It also goes very well with barbecue-grilled meats, game and aged or smoked cheeses. Spicy fish dishes in sauce also make an interesting pairing.

Serving and cellaring

Viña Ardanza Reserva 2019 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine has excellent aging potential and will evolve favorably over many years.

A classic, elegant Rioja wine by La Rioja Alta

The estate

Founded in 1890 in Haro by five Basque and Riojan families, La Rioja Alta embodies the excellence of traditional Rioja winegrowing. Still family-owned after six generations, the estate is now led by Guillermo de Aranzabal. With more than 900 hectares of vineyards spread across its different properties, La Rioja Alta has established itself as one of the world references for classic Rioja wines. The estate stands out for its commitment to traditional long aging in American oak barrels, which it makes itself in its own cooperage. In 2025, La Rioja Alta was ranked the third most admired winery in the world by Drinks International.

The vineyard

Viña Ardanza Reserva 2019 comes from vineyards located in two distinct areas of Rioja. The tempranillo comes from estate-owned plots in La Cuesta (Fuenmayor) and Montecillo (Cenicero), in Rioja Alta, where the vines are over 30 years old. The garnacha comes from La Pedriza in Tudelilla, in Rioja Oriental, at 550 meters above sea level, from 17-year-old vines. The soils are mainly clay-limestone, typical of the region, giving the wines structure and freshness.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage was rated “Excellent” by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja. It is a vintage characterized by a typical Atlantic climate in Rioja Alta, favoring the production of fresh, fruity and balanced wines. Yields were low, allowing optimal grape concentration. The estate considers 2019 to be one of the three best vintages of the century, alongside 2001 and 2015.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Viña Ardanza Reserva 2019 were hand-harvested in October, then optically sorted after refrigerated transport. Fermentation lasted 17 days in stainless-steel tanks, followed by a natural malolactic fermentation. The tempranillo then aged for 36 months in American oak barrels, while the garnacha, harvested two weeks later, was aged for 30 months, 20% of which in new barrels. During aging, the wine was hand-racked by candlelight five times. Blending was carried out before bottling in December 2023.

Grape varieties

Tempranillo (80%)
Garnacha (20%)