Viña Valoria 1968 Gran Reserva

Wine: Viña Valoria 1968 Gran Reserva

Winery: Bodega Valoria (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano.
ABV: 12.5% vol.

Winemaking

Grapes sourced exclusively from the municipality of Fuenmayor in Rioja Alta. The wine initially remained for 12 months in large wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and settle before racking. It matured for between 48 and 60 months in used 225-liter American oak barrels with an average age of over 10 years. Limited production of 33,115 bottles (75 cl). It underwent a minimum of 3 years of bottle aging. This special edition was commercialized in 2011.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Beautiful reddish-ruby color with medium depth; clear and clean. It displays coppery and orange reflections with a tawny/brick-colored rim.

 

Nose: Autumnal in character, featuring a very fine and elegant reduction. Initially dominated by notes of leaf litter and damp soil, it is supported by a backdrop of high-quality tanned leather and an interesting "animal" hint reminiscent of faisandage. High intensity and powerful, it requires significant aeration to fully open, showing the effects of its long period in the bottle. Gradually, noble woods—cedar, rosewood—emerge alongside lacquer, honeycomb, and natural oils, giving way to lighter details of candied fruit, orange biscotti, and vanilla.

 

Palate: On the palate, it is less wild but shines at a remarkable level. Confit-like, mature, ample, and savory, it features high-quality bitter notes and a persistent wood aftertaste. In many ways, it recalls the 1973 vintage due to its intense acidity and youthful vigor.

 

Commentary

The 1968 Gran Reserva is a profound example of the elegance and classicism that define the Fuenmayor style. This special release from 2011 reveals a wine that has been kept in near-secret conditions, preserving a vibrant acidic core and a marked house personality. It is a sophisticated red that rewards the patient taster with layers of tertiary complexity. A true "hidden gem" of Rioja.

 

Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92