Vina Valoria Rioja 1995

Rioja is one of the world’s most famous wine growing regions and this winery, Vina Valoria, can brag that they’ve been producing wines from the area since the 60s….1860’s that is! That makes Vina Valoria the fifth oldest producer in the region and one of only ten producers to be allowed to release “old vintages” from before 1980.

This is their mightily impressive 1995 Rioja. Valoria are one of only 10 Rioja producers who can re-release older cellar-aged vintages. All bottles are recorked at a recorking clinic and are in perfect condition. Closing in on 30 years of age (yes, a perfect 30th birthday present!) this is a rare opportunity to try a wine of this impressive age with each bottle  individually numbered too.

Imported into NZ by Master of Wine Steve Bennett who said “A lovely mature wine. This is no surprise having previously tried the 1968, 1973, and 1982 ‘vintage of the decade’ releases, all of which are still very much alive and well…It is perfect drinking now but will last in the cellar for another several years. Buy it for someone turning 30 and it will probably still be great for their 40th birthday.”

A blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 10% Graciano, aged 36 months in American oak barrels before further ageing in the Vina Valoria cellars. Pair this Spanish beauty with roasted and grilled red meats, especially lamb, as well as mature cheeses and hearty stews. Open this one up and let it breathe for an hour or so before pouring – then enjoy!