2020 Valenciso Rioja Reserva

The Valenciso Reserva is a 100% pure Tempranillo from the calcareous soils around Haro in Rioja Alta. At Compañía Bodeguera de Valenciso, they consciously choose quality over quantity, so aggressive pruning takes place (yield of only 38 hl per hectare). This unique project in Rioja Alta initially had only one goal: to make a single wine from exclusively Tempranillo and then bring an excellent Rioja Reserva to market. This vintage is characterized by a very long aging period. Even the malolactic fermentation lasted until after the summer following the harvest. The wine spent 17 months aging in French oak barrels, one-third of which were new oak. The wine has subtle and elegant notes of red and black fruit, cedarwood, nutmeg, and vanilla. The most striking feature here is the balance, something Valenciso excels at. producing classically proportioned wines with the right amount of fruit, acidity, and wood. This is a wine that can only get better over the next 10 years.

FUN FACT: The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to pick up the wine, you 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, almost next to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Ask our Sommelier for advice - Free for our customers.

The combination of ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and soft tannins makes this wine versatile when paired with food.

1. Grilled sirloin steak with roasted vegetables

The juicy and full character of the sirloin pairs well with the structure of the wine, while the roasted flavors of the vegetables harmonize with the oak-aged and earthy notes in the wine. The tannins are softened by the fat in the meat, leaving the wine feeling beautifully round and smooth.

2. Leg of lamb with garlic, rosemary and thyme

Lamb has a spicy, slightly gamey flavor that pairs well with the ripe fruit and spiciness of Tempranillo. The Provençal herbs accentuate the elegant wood notes and subtle leather in the wine, creating a harmonious whole.

3. Mushroom risotto with Parmesan cheese

The earthy notes of mushrooms complement the complex, ripe aromas of the wine well. The creamy texture of the risotto is beautifully balanced by the acidity in the wine, while the Parmesan cheese provides extra depth.

4. Beef stew with carrot and bay leaf

Slow-cooked beef develops a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the ripe fruit notes and soft tannins of the wine. Bay leaf and carrot add extra spiciness and sweetness, enhancing the wine's complexity.

5. Manchego or other aged hard cheeses

Hard sheep's cheeses like Manchego bring salty, nutty flavors that pair beautifully with the aged notes in the wine. The texture of the cheese complements the full mouthfeel of the Reserva, without overpowering the wine.