Wine: Viña Ardanza 1980 ReservaWinery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and Mazuelo.
ABV: 12.5%
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and Mazuelo.
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking
The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla, while the remaining grapes originate from the Viña Ardanza estate in Montecillo and smallholders in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. Primary fermentation was conducted in stainless steel tanks, followed by 12 months of settling in old 18,000-liter oak vats. In November 1981, the wine was racked into seasoned 225-liter American oak barriques for a 48-month aging period, including 8 traditional manual rackings. Bottled in November 1985. It underwent a minimum of 24 months of bottle aging prior to its commercial release.
The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla, while the remaining grapes originate from the Viña Ardanza estate in Montecillo and smallholders in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. Primary fermentation was conducted in stainless steel tanks, followed by 12 months of settling in old 18,000-liter oak vats. In November 1981, the wine was racked into seasoned 225-liter American oak barriques for a 48-month aging period, including 8 traditional manual rackings. Bottled in November 1985. It underwent a minimum of 24 months of bottle aging prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Translucent brownish-ruby of medium-low depth; clean and very clear with orange glints.
Nose: Initially displays significant restraint. It remains closed and slow to unfurl, offering subtle hints of fine cabinetry that lead into balsamic notes, milky sap,
and woody undertones. After two hours of aeration, it reveals the
quintessential Ardanza profile: sweet spices, cigar leaf, forest floor,
ripe red fruit, leather, and ash, all enveloped in vanilla and creamy
nuances. Poised and highly recognizable.
Palate: Light and fresh with a distinct tart (acídulo)
quality. It is packed with fruit jam and high-quality bitter nuances.
The ensemble is approachable, featuring correct acidity and fully
integrated tannins. Savory and easy to drink, it shows a lighter body
than usual, complemented by a very pleasant earthy sensation. A reliable
red, as is typical for Ardanza, though the "unusual" nature of the 1980
vintage results in less "punch" and a more ethereal structure compared
to the subsequent 1981 and 1982 vintages.
Personal Score: 88
Tasting Group Score: 90
Tasting Group Score: 90
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