Vina Valoria Rioja Reserva

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.

NZ Master of Wine Steve Bennett regularly travels through Europe sniffing, swirling and spitting his way through thousands of wines to find the best and the best of the best to chuck on a boat and bring into Aotearoa. He’s done the hard work for you in finding this great little Rioja Reserva label.

Vina Valoria Rioja Reserva is the traditional Rioja wine made with 100% Tempranillo (temp-rah-knee-oh) from the La Rioja region of Spain.

To be labelled Reserva it has to follow strict Rioja wine laws – aged for a minimum of 3 years including 12 months in oak (this one got all 36 months in American oak!). With several years under its belt already this is a beautifully aged, smooth and mellow with plenty of bold, powerful red fruit flavours.

Dust off the cork screw (you’ll need it here!) and pair this Spanish beauty with roasted and grilled red meats, especially lamb, as well as mature cheeses and hearty stews.