2018 Valenciso Rioja Reserva

The 2018 Valenciso Rioja Reserva is an elegant 100% Tempranillo from Rioja Alta in northern Spain, produced from mature, low-yielding vineyards around Ollauri, Briones, Rodezno, Haro and Villalba. Valenciso was founded in 1998 by Rioja natives Luis Valentín and Carmen Enciso, combining their surnames to create the name Valenciso. Their philosophy differs from many traditionally powerful Rioja Reservas: the aim is aromatic intensity and finesse rather than weight, with French oak used to frame rather than dominate the fruit. The vineyards sit at approximately 507–610 metres elevation on chalky clay-calcareous soils and benefit from cooling Atlantic influence, helping preserve freshness in the Tempranillo.