La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 1995

La Rioja Alta, S.A. was established in 1890 in Haro, in the celebrated Rioja wine region of northern Spain. It was founded by five local growers who shared a vision of producing wines of structure, elegance and long-term aging potential — at a time when many Rioja wines were simpler and less age-worthy. In 1904, an early milestone came when one founder’s own winery (Ardanza) merged with La Rioja Alta; this union helped shape the winery’s identity and gave rise to iconic labels such as Gran Reserva 904. The name La Rioja Alta refers both to the winery and to the Rioja Alta subzone — the high altitude western part of the Rioja DOCa, long associated with high-quality Rioja wines.

It is unusual for a great bodega of Rioja to own vineyards, but La Rioja Alta own 360ha from which they can source top-quality grapes, resulting in excellent fruit and richness throughout their wines. Tempranillo dominates the plantings, complemented with a small proportion of Garnacha and Graciano vines. The company is renowned for the quality of its Reservas and in particular for its Gran Reservas, the 904 and the 890. The latter are produced only in exceptional years, are amongst the finest wines being produced in Rioja today. Gran Reserva 890 is named, rather confusingly, after the date of the creation of La Rioja Alta (1890). It is the non-plus-ultra of the family, a wine that slumbers patiently for 6 years in oak, then is allowed to rest in bottle for a few more years before its released.

Ageing: After the alcoholic and malolactic fermentation process, which lasted for 15 days at controlled temperatures (30C), the wine was transferred to American oak casks in June, 1996. After 6 years of ageing in the cask and 12 manual racking processes, it was bottled in July, 2002. In order to preserve its aromatic components, this wine was not filtered and went directly from the cask to the bottle.

Weather in 1995: Rainfall distribution was perfect during the growth cycle and this, together with the otherwise ideal weather conditions, ensured that the vineyards were at their best. The summer was hot, with little rain, so turning was about 20 days earlier than in previous years. September brought moderate daytime temperatures and very cool nights, so the grapes ripened perfectly in the usual conditions. They were harvested and taken to the winery in an excellent condition on October 19 and 20. The low nighttime temperatures led to very cold musts, delaying the start of the alcoholic fermentation process and favouring natural pre- fermentative maceration, enhancing the wines aromatic component.

Technical Information:
Grape Varieties: 96% Tempranillo from Briñas, Labastida and Villalba, Graciano (3%) and the rest Mazuelo from our Melchorón I and II vineyards (Rodezno).
Total Acidity: 6.22 g/l
Alcohol: 12.5%

Tasting Note: Roasted and balsamic notes, with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon on a background of ripe fruit. Inviting and full bodied to the palate, it is well balanced, with the silky tannins resulting from its long ageing process in the cask and bottle. Persistent and complex aftertaste. This wine will keep beautifully as one of the vintages great Riojas.