Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2018
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Gran Reserva blend of Tempranillo with a small percentage of Graciano, aged extensively in oak and bottle. The 2018 vintage delivers depth, elegance, and maturity without excess weight, a refined display of Rioja Alavesa pedigree.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, dried fig, redcurrant, and plum layered with cedar, leather, vanilla bean, clove, and cocoa. Subtle dried herbs and balsamic notes appear with air, adding savory complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with silky, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Supple, harmonious texture with a long, elegant finish that leans more refined than powerful.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, grilled ribeye, aged Manchego, or mushroom risotto.

Verdict
A beautifully composed Gran Reserva that blends classic Rioja maturity with freshness and finesse. Complex, layered, and quietly profound, more about harmony and nuance than sheer extraction.

Did You Know?
Gran Reserva wines represent only a small fraction of Rioja production and must undergo a minimum of 5 years of aging, including at least 2 years in oak and 2 years in bottle, resulting in their signature silky texture and developed aromatics. — 16 days ago

Nina M

9.5

Very drinkable, smooth, love it — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Garnacha and Graciano, aged for 26 months in new French oak, 70 year-old vines. Deep Ruby color with aromas of fruit, earthy spiced and woodsy notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with cedar, tobacco, leather and smoky notes. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, tobacco, toasty cedar and earthy mineral character. — 9 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Viura – 2023
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A barrel-fermented white made from 100% Viura, showcasing the bright, zesty character of Rioja Alavesa with a subtle touch of oak for texture and lift, without weighing it down.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and citrus blossom with hints of saline minerality and light vanilla. Fresh, vibrant, and expressive.

Mouthfeel
Crisp acidity, medium body, and a lively, zesty profile. Clean, balanced, and enticing with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back.

Food Pairings
Seafood, grilled octopus, oysters, ceviche, or manchego cheese. Also excellent with sushi or Mediterranean salads.

Verdict
A modern, energetic take on Viura, bright, balanced, and quietly elegant. Perfect for fans of zesty whites with just enough structure to feel serious.

Did You Know?
Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo) is the backbone of white Rioja, and barrel fermentation, rather than just barrel aging, adds complexity and finesse while preserving freshness. — 16 days ago

Ted

8.9

Black licorice with fresh herbs. Above average acidity. — 25 days ago

with Jeni

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Garnacha and Graciano, aged for 26 months in new French oak, 70 year-old vines. Deep Ruby color with aromas of fruit, earthy spiced and woodsy notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with cedar, tobacco, leather and smoky notes. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, tobacco, toasty cedar and earthy mineral character. — 8 months ago

Tyler Adam Smith

8.9

Smells like: steel wool, lime sorbet, whey, and rain on a tin roof.
Tastes like: white peonies, Cala Cala pith, caramelized pear, electric
Good for: flashback and flash forward scenes in movies about technology, rapini and anchovy with polenta. — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

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. — 16 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

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. — 16 days ago

Byron Hewett

9.3

Beautiful wine with impeccable balance. Rich, complex, harmonious and long. Lovely Rioja Blanco. — a year ago