Wine: Viña Albina 1976 Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Riojanas (Cenicero, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 2% Graciano, 3% others (Viura and local varieties)
ABV: 12.5% vol. (est.)
Winery: Bodegas Riojanas (Cenicero, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 2% Graciano, 3% others (Viura and local varieties)
ABV: 12.5% vol. (est.)
Winemaking:
Rests for 12 months in old 20,000-liter wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before racking. It then matured for 24 to 30 months in semi-used 225-liter American oak barrels. Subjected to periodic manual rackings (2-3 times per year) using the traditional barrel-to-barrel method. The wines were blended in tanks and stabilized for 6 to 12 months before bottling in 1980. Partially filtered. Minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before release.
Rests for 12 months in old 20,000-liter wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before racking. It then matured for 24 to 30 months in semi-used 225-liter American oak barrels. Subjected to periodic manual rackings (2-3 times per year) using the traditional barrel-to-barrel method. The wines were blended in tanks and stabilized for 6 to 12 months before bottling in 1980. Partially filtered. Minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Reddish-ruby color with medium depth; clear and very clean, with very
fine sediment flakes at the base. Brilliant and luminous with coppery
reflections. Broad orange rim.
Nose:
Extremely soft and subtle, somewhat of a "tightrope walker" at the
beginning, appearing as if its lightness might lead it to break.
Beautiful, classic, and elegant. It gains expression and a bit of
sturdiness after opening without losing its essence. A settled Viña
Albina, barely creamy and spiced (laurel, clove, turmeric), with a
vaporous background of perfume, dried flowers, aromatic bouquets, and
"jabonete" (fine soap). The old wood notes are so light they only shyly
peek through intermittently. Fine, delicate, and weightless; almost
impossible to place specifically in Rioja.
Palate:
Deceptively light, yet it possesses real weight. Weightless entry, tart
(acídulo), with very ripe red fruits weathered by the years. Savory and
associated with high-quality oak that serves as a solid "coat rack" for
the ensemble. It seems fully unfolded, showing no signs of further
development. Fresh, round, and light, inviting the next glass.
Commentary:
These Bodegas Riojanas wines require long periods in the bottle. Although they can be deceptive in their youth, appearing simple, the wait is well worth it. This 1976 is a refined and delicate example that rewards the patient taster.
These Bodegas Riojanas wines require long periods in the bottle. Although they can be deceptive in their youth, appearing simple, the wait is well worth it. This 1976 is a refined and delicate example that rewards the patient taster.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 91
Tasting Group Average: 91
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