The 2019 Valenciso Rioja Reserva is an elegant and age-worthy 100% Tempranillo from Rioja Alta in northern Spain, produced by Luis Valentín and Carmen Enciso from mature vineyards around Ollauri, Briones, Rodezno, Haro, Villalba and Gimileo. The vineyards sit at elevations of approximately 500–600 metres on classic clay-limestone soils, where the Atlantic influence of northern Rioja helps retain freshness and aromatic definition. Valenciso was founded in 1998 with a philosophy centred on perfume, elegance and longevity rather than sheer weight or excessive oak, placing the estate stylistically between traditional and contemporary Rioja. For the 2019, Luis Valentín describes the vintage as one of particular finesse and elegance, comparing its delicacy to the excellent 2015 vintage.
