2017 La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Gran Reserva

La Rioja Alta is one of the most traditional and respected producers in Rioja. Since 1890, the house has operated from Haro with a clear vision: to make wines that need time and improve with age. Everything is managed in-house, from the vineyards to the cooperage.

With hundreds of hectares of its own vineyards and a vast stock of aging wines, La Rioja Alta has the luxury of releasing wines only when they are truly ready. The style is classic, with an emphasis on balance, elegance, and long aging. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The 2017 Viña Arana Gran Reserva comes from Rioja Alta, with grapes from the Montecillo estate in Fuenmayor, among others. The vineyards are situated on calcareous soils that provide freshness and structure.

The 2017 growing season was influenced by spring frost and a relatively short cycle. This resulted in wines with slightly more structure and a compact style, combining ripe fruit with fresh acidity and a distinct tannin structure.

Grapes and composition

The wine consists of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano. This is a deliberate choice, with Graciano providing extra freshness, tension, and aromatic complexity.

It is striking that this vintage contains no Mazuelo, which was sometimes used in the past. This contributes to a slightly tighter and more precise style.

Vinification and aging

The grapes were destemmed and crushed, followed by a rigorous selection using an optical sorting machine. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts and lasted approximately 16 days.

Subsequently, the wine aged for three years in 225-liter American oak barrels. During this period, the wine was racked six times, and the different grape varieties continued to ripen separately before being blended just before bottling.

The wine was bottled in January 2022 and subsequently underwent additional bottle aging before being released onto the market.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a deep ruby red color. On the nose, it is initially somewhat closed, but with aeration it develops aromas of ripe red fruit, cherries, and plums, complemented by vanilla, balsamic, graphite, and light spiciness.

On the palate, the wine is structured and precise. It combines ripe fruit with fresh acidity and fine, grainy tannins. The texture is compact and seamless, with distinct energy and length.

The finish is long and persistent, with a slightly spicy and earthy touch. The wine is still young and will continue to develop in the bottle.

Style and character

The 2017 Viña Arana Gran Reserva is a classic Rioja with a tighter, more linear style than some earlier vintages. It shows less immediate complexity in its youth, but has everything it takes to develop beautifully.

What stands out is the combination of structure and energy. This is not an open and direct wine, but a Gran Reserva that needs time and rewards with extra nuance as it ages.

Reviews and ratings

This wine is highly regarded by international wine critics:

- 93 points – Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate, Luis Gutiérrez)
- 94 points – Vinous (Joaquín Hidalgo)
- 96 points – James Suckling

Gutiérrez emphasizes the compact, still youthful style and the need for aging (drinking window 2026–2036). Hidalgo points out the tight structure and fine tannins, with a persistent length. James Suckling, on the other hand, praises the energy, the juicy character, and the long finish.

Pick up in Dordrecht?

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.