Bodegas y Viñedos de la Marquesa
Valserrano Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Graciano
La Rioja, Spain
Drank 1/17/20. Tasting event. Tasting pour.
Black cherry, cedar, and vanilla on the. Black cherry, plum, earth, and medium plus tannins on the palate. Long finish.
4/21/8/4/4 +50= 91 pts.
Drank 1/17/20. Tasting event. Tasting pour.
Black cherry, cedar, and vanilla on the. Black cherry, plum, earth, and medium plus tannins on the palate. Long finish.
4/21/8/4/4 +50= 91 pts.
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.
On the nose, blueberries, cherries, light wood, earth, wet leaves, bitter herbs, peppercorn, tobacco, vegetables and pencil lead.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity and nice legs.
Dry on the palate with cherries, strawberries, red currants, oak, tobacco, vegetables, earth, spices, wet leaves, bitter vegetables and peppercorn.
Medium minus on the finish with fine tannins and tangy pomegranates.
This is a nice Spanish Red from Rioja. Showing a nice mouthfeel with nice complexity. Earthy and spicy. A good food wine.
Needs an hour to open up properly and show some complexity.
A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Aged for 24 months in French and American oak barrels.
I paired it with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.
14% alcohol by volume.
87 Points.
$25.
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.
On the nose, blueberries, cherries, light wood, earth, wet leaves, bitter herbs, peppercorn, tobacco, vegetables and pencil lead.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity and nice legs.
Dry on the palate with cherries, strawberries, red currants, oak, tobacco, vegetables, earth, spices, wet leaves, bitter vegetables and peppercorn.
Medium minus on the finish with fine tannins and tangy pomegranates.
This is a nice Spanish Red from Rioja. Showing a nice mouthfeel with nice complexity. Earthy and spicy. A good food wine.
Needs an hour to open up properly and show some complexity.
A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Aged for 24 months in French and American oak barrels.
I paired it with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.
14% alcohol by volume.
87 Points.
$25.
Great Tempranillo. Under $20. Needs to breathe at least 30 minutes to lose the tannic bite. Full flavor after that.
Great Tempranillo. Under $20. Needs to breathe at least 30 minutes to lose the tannic bite. Full flavor after that.
4 people found it helpfulNov 25th, 2014
A knockout for this vintage. Concentrated fruit with and hedonistic oak aromatics. Refined finish.
A knockout for this vintage. Concentrated fruit with and hedonistic oak aromatics. Refined finish.
3 people found it helpfulJun 8th, 2014Bit spicy for my tastes but still a good pick. Strong berry, deep reds.
Bit spicy for my tastes but still a good pick. Strong berry, deep reds.
2 people found it helpfulJun 13th, 2017Mediocre reserva from Tempranillo grapes. Short nose, tannic, a bit sour finish c
Mediocre reserva from Tempranillo grapes. Short nose, tannic, a bit sour finish c
1 person found it helpfulJul 9th, 2015
Very interesting bouquet of red licorice and soft cherry.. Can definitely taste the 24 months of oak - not my fave but nice Rioja.
Very interesting bouquet of red licorice and soft cherry.. Can definitely taste the 24 months of oak - not my fave but nice Rioja.
Aug 18th, 2014
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.
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.
Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2018
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged in oak. The 2018 vintage delivers a modern, fruit-driven expression with refined structure, balancing ripe fruit intensity and traditional Rioja elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, redcurrant, blueberry, and dried cherry with hints of vanilla custard, nutmeg, and aromatic herbs. Subtle raisin and toasted spice add depth without heaviness.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, smooth and polished with rounded tannins just below medium-plus. Fresh, balanced, and still fruit-driven through a long, refined finish.
Food Pairings
Roast lamb, pork loin, Manchego, earthy paella, or mushroom tapas.
Verdict
A thoughtfully crafted Reserva that bridges classic Rioja character with a fresher, contemporary profile. Approachable, flavorful, and quietly elegant, a great value in the category.
Did You Know?
Rioja Alavesa wines often show brighter acidity and finer tannins than Rioja Alta or Rioja Oriental, thanks to higher elevation and limestone-rich soils.
Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2018
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged in oak. The 2018 vintage delivers a modern, fruit-driven expression with refined structure, balancing ripe fruit intensity and traditional Rioja elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, redcurrant, blueberry, and dried cherry with hints of vanilla custard, nutmeg, and aromatic herbs. Subtle raisin and toasted spice add depth without heaviness.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, smooth and polished with rounded tannins just below medium-plus. Fresh, balanced, and still fruit-driven through a long, refined finish.
Food Pairings
Roast lamb, pork loin, Manchego, earthy paella, or mushroom tapas.
Verdict
A thoughtfully crafted Reserva that bridges classic Rioja character with a fresher, contemporary profile. Approachable, flavorful, and quietly elegant, a great value in the category.
Did You Know?
Rioja Alavesa wines often show brighter acidity and finer tannins than Rioja Alta or Rioja Oriental, thanks to higher elevation and limestone-rich soils.