Solar de Randez Rioja Reserva 2017 (750ml)

95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano

The Solar de Randez Reserva is a beautiful example of a Rioja Reserva, as it is round and velvety in texture, with well-integrated notes of vanilla, tobacco, and ripe fruit, but has a strong core and structure that reminds of its terroir. Made from carefully selected Tempranillo grapes from Riamundo’s vineyards, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and then rest before moved to oak. The fermented juice is then moved to used French barrels for 36 months, which is then followed by a minimum of 16 months in the bottle before ‘release.’ This remarkably styled Rioja is not only a true representation of the grape and region; it is a remarkable value for such an acclaimed wine from Spain’s most famous region.

Bodegas las Orcas is a small, family-owned and operated winery in the Rioja Alavesa region of Spain. The winery dates back to the year 1900 in the medieval town of Laguardia, where the family wines were made in their traditional cellar underneath the town until the construction of their new bodega happened just outside the town walls in 1999. Raimundo and his wife Cristina run the winery today and make remarkable Rioja wines using only fruit from their own family vineyards. The vineyards are tended naturally without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides, and the wines are fermented using native yeasts and absolutely minimal filtration (also, all the wines are vegan friendly). This is exceptional Rioja that brings together historic practices in the cellar, while also taking advantage of some more modern techniques, all while offering great value for authentically made wine from an area where large production has become a norm.

Tech Sheet