Deep garnet opaque, full bodied with black fruit, blackberries and plums — 5 months ago
Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2019
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, aged in oak. The 2019 vintage leans slightly riper and more concentrated than 2018, offering darker fruit and a touch more structure without sacrificing Valserrano’s signature elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum, and blackberry compote layered with vanilla, cocoa, sweet tobacco, and a hint of dried herbs. Subtle licorice and baking spice linger on the finish.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with polished tannins and more grip than the 2018. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the finish is smooth, long, and quietly complex.
Food Pairings
Lamb chops, Iberian pork, roasted mushrooms, aged Manchego, or paella with chorizo.
Verdict
A refined yet slightly richer expression of Valserrano Reserva. Dark fruit, subtle earth, and graceful spice come together with impressive balance and drinkability. Classic Rioja with modern finesse.
Did You Know?
The Valserrano estate, founded in 1880, is still family-run and among the pioneers of Rioja Alavesa. Higher elevation and limestone soils are key to the region’s lifted acidity and refined tannin profile. — 8 months ago
rich and not as dry as it first seems. delicious with Saag Paneer. complex yet subtle at the same time. — 9 months ago
bold, powerful, and deeply colored—perfect for steak ; — 4 days ago
Too advanced. Light, acidic — 22 days ago
Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2020
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A Crianza-level Rioja built for approachability, freshness, and everyday enjoyment. Predominantly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, aged briefly in oak to soften the edges while preserving fruit purity.
Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry, and plum with hints of licorice, vanilla, and subtle spice. Light herbal notes and soft oak support without dominating.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light body, juicy and vibrant with mild tannins and easy-going acidity. Friendly texture that drinks effortlessly, even slightly chilled.
Food Pairings
Tapas, grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, or chorizo, anything casual and flavorful.
Verdict
An easy-drinking, fruit-forward Rioja that embraces the modern, relaxed side of Rioja Alavesa. Fun, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing without trying too hard.
Did You Know?
Crianza wines are Spain’s most versatile category, requiring a minimum of 2 years of aging with at least 1 year in oak, striking the sweet spot between young fruit and gentle structure. — 8 months ago
Pleasant, figs, cherries. 100% monastrel. — 9 months ago
Really enjoying this tasty, dry sipper. I haven't had many Riojas but this is the first one I actually like. Good stuff! — 2 years ago
Started rough and really opened up. Perfectly paired with red sauce — 18 days ago
Deep red nose tannins bite at the back of the mouth — 2 months ago
Heavy tobacco, smoke, and earthy tones on top of dark fruits. Opens up very dynamically because of its vintage. — 5 months ago
C'est chaleureux mais très très harmonieux — 8 months ago
Mmmm - delicious! Quite full bodied with a deep ruby red color. Enjoyed with red meat and all by itself. Flavors of blackberry, plum and dark cherry. — 8 months ago
Perry Juel
Enjoyed a 2021 bottle with steaks on our back patio. Excellent choice at this price point. 15.5% alcohol. — a day ago