2020 La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva

We write the year 1890. Five Basque winegrowers from the Rioja set up the 'Sociedad Vinícola de la Rioja Alta' in Haro on 10 July, thereby laying the foundation for the production of high-quality wines. From the very beginning, it is done professionally.

The French oenologist Vigier, who at the time was considered the authority in the field of wine knowledge, is recruited as an expert. In the year 1891 the wine gets its final name 'La Rioja Alta'. It is the birth of a legend. It would take until 1941 for the first wine to be registered as a trademark. This was the famous Viña Ardanza, still one of the most important wines of the Bodega. In the past, all barrels were made in their own cooperage. After a longer break, that tradition was restored in 2002. The wood imported from America dries for two years before being processed into barrels. 1970 was an important year with a new barrel cellar, the expansion of the vineyards and the purchase of excellent plots. This also meant the birth of Viña Arana and Viña Alberdi. Today, the winery is one of the classics of the Rioja. Wines such as the 'Gran Reserva 890' and 'Gran Reserva 904' are unforgettable experiences. But the above mentioned reserves are also excellent wines for those who love matured wines and the traditional rioja style. A jewel among the venerable bodegas!

Buying wines from the Rioja? Then Grandcruwijnen is the place to be. We have an unprecedented wide range of Rioja wines in every price category and of all famous houses. If you want to order a Rioja wine, the following applies: ✓ Can be ordered per bottle ✓ 24 hour delivery ✓ Save for a discount

Rioja wines enjoy an excellent reputation. That is entirely justified, because a Rioja wine is usually a good wine. The Spaniards have an ancient wine tradition and the craft and expertise can be tasted in every glass. Rioja wines come from the Rioja region, which is located in the north of Spain. The River Río Oja separates the area into two parts, the North and the South. Rioja wine takes its name from this river.

When there are no other mentions on a bottle, the Rioja wine has spent a few months in an oak barrel. The Rioja Crianza must have matured for at least two years, the Reserva for three years and the Gran Reserva for five years, two of which are cask and three years in the bottle. The main grape varieties of the Rioja wines are the grenache blanc, the viura and the malvasia for white wine. For red and rosé these are the tempranillo, the grenache noir, the graciano and the mazuelo. The soil has a major influence on the taste of wine. This also applies to Rioja wines.

The Rioja soil contains a lot of lime and ferrous clay. The soil also contains some limestone here and there. A white Rioja wine shows elements of white fruit (pear and wine peach), while the red wines have hints of notes with hints of blackberry and cocoa. The rosé is again aimed at a fresh, fruity taste; perfect for a sun-filled afternoon on the terrace. It is best to serve the white Rioja wine and the rosé when they have a temperature of between 8 and 16 ⁰C degrees, while the red Rioja wines come into their own at a temperature of 16 ⁰C.

Buying wines from the Rioja? Then Grandcruwijnen is the place to be. We have an unprecedented wide range of Rioja wines in every price category and of all famous houses. If you want to order a Rioja wine, the following applies: ✓ Can be ordered per bottle ✓ 24 hour delivery ✓ Save for a discount

Rioja wines enjoy an excellent reputation. That is entirely justified, because a Rioja wine is usually a good wine. The Spaniards have an ancient wine tradition and the craft and expertise can be tasted in every glass. Rioja wines come from the Rioja region, which is located in the north of Spain. The River Río Oja separates the area into two parts, the North and the South. Rioja wine takes its name from this river.

When there are no other mentions on a bottle, the Rioja wine has spent a few months in an oak barrel. The Rioja Crianza must have matured for at least two years, the Reserva for three years and the Gran Reserva for five years, two of which are cask and three years in the bottle. The main grape varieties of the Rioja wines are the grenache blanc, the viura and the malvasia for white wine. For red and rosé these are the tempranillo, the grenache noir, the graciano and the mazuelo. The soil has a major influence on the taste of wine. This also applies to Rioja wines.

The Rioja soil contains a lot of lime and ferrous clay. The soil also contains some limestone here and there. A white Rioja wine shows elements of white fruit (pear and wine peach), while the red wines have hints of notes with hints of blackberry and cocoa. The rosé is again aimed at a fresh, fruity taste; perfect for a sun-filled afternoon on the terrace. It is best to serve the white Rioja wine and the rosé when they have a temperature of between 8 and 16 ⁰C degrees, while the red Rioja wines come into their own at a temperature of 16 ⁰C.

The Tempranillo grape originally comes from the Rioja region in Spain. With its thick skin, the Tempranillo produces wines with a deep color and little alcohol. It is striking that Tempranillo wines can be stored for a long time without much loss of color. Around 80% of the total production of the Tempranillo grape is grown in Spain!

A Worldwide Spread Grape

Tempranillo is widely planted in regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Valdepeñas, Navarra, Costers del Segre and along the Mediterranean coast. The grape gets its name from the fact that it ripens early - "temprano" means 'early' in Spanish. In addition to Spain, the grape can also be found in Portugal, where it is known as tinta roriz or aragonez, and even in Argentina, where it goes by the name Tempranilla.

The Unique Taste of Tempranillo

Wines made from the Tempranillo grape generally have a fruity and smooth taste, including red and dark fruits such as cherries, plums and blackberries, along with secondary notes of tobacco, leather, vanilla and spices. The flavor profile can vary depending on factors such as terroir, climate and winemaking techniques. The Tempranillo grape produces wines with lots of color and structure that can mature well in wood. The wines go well with Spanish dishes such as tapas, grilled meat, paella and cured meats. Its moderate acidity and tannins make it an easily adaptable wine to many dishes.

Explore Our Tempranillo Collection

At Grandcruwijnen we have a huge range of wines made from the Tempranillo grape. Discover the variety of flavors and styles from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where Tempranillo is the main grape. Enjoy the accessibility and richness of Tempranillo wines, both pure and blended, which pair perfectly with different dishes and occasions.