Berberana 1983 Gran Reserva

Wine: Berberana 1983 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Berberana (Ollauri, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 20% Mazuelo, 20% Garnacha.
ABV: 12.5% vol.

Winemaking

Initial stay of 12 months in wooden and concrete vats to complete fermentation and stabilize before racking. Subsequently, it underwent 36 months of aging in used 225-liter American oak barrels, with an average age not exceeding 10 years. It remained for a minimum of 3 years of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Garnet-ruby color with medium depth; clean, featuring a very slight sediment at the base of the bottle.

 

Nose: Initially hesitant to express itself, though showing no signs of fatigue. Soft balsamic notes (sage, ivy) emerge first, blending with creamy toast, dairy hints, vanilla, and a touch of cocoa butter. Refined but not yet fully unfolded; it requires patience. Gradually, it gains the definition of traditional aging: old leather, stable-like nuances, and reduced red fruit. Noble woods appear alongside sloe liqueur. Very impressive.

 

Palate: A fresh and light red, structured by an intense acidity. It should not be rushed. It grows with aeration, becoming increasingly deep and complex. Savory and toasted, with a spicy edge and a smoky background. Classical in concept and well-resolved.

 

Commentary

The 1983 Gran Reserva is a rewarding surprise from a vintage that has produced many disappointing wines. It recalls the dignified Berberana bottlings of years prior, when the winery consistently delivered unquestionable quality. It is a well-crafted, traditional Rioja that balances its creamy oak influence with a vibrant acidic nerve, proving to be a reliable and delightful bottle for those who enjoy the historical style of Ollauri.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 91