Ramón de Ayala, ‘Viña Santurnia’ Rioja Gran Reserva, 2011, Rioja (DOCa)

'One-Liner'
Mature, traditional Rioja with mellow red fruit, savoury spice and beautifully softened oak – elegant, complex and wonderfully smooth.

Tasting Note
Garnet red with a gently brick-coloured rim, opening with ripe cherry, dried red berries and plum, followed by cedar, tobacco, vanilla and roasted coffee. Time in the bottle has brought further notes of leather, balsamic herbs and woodland earth, while the palate is full and velvety, with beautifully resolved tannins, balanced freshness and a long, savoury finish of dried fruit, cocoa and warming spice.

Country: Spain
Region: Rioja DOCG
Sub-Region: Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa
Grape(s): 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
ABV: 14%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
The Ayala family’s winemaking roots in Briñas stretch back to the 18th century, with the present family cellar taking shape when Tomás de Ayala acquired a traditional stone house and winery in 1853. Viña Santurnia became the family’s principal label during the 1970s and remains firmly rooted in Rioja’s classical style. This Gran Reserva draws on Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano from mature vineyards around Briñas, Haro and Labastida, close to the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria. Extended maturation in American and French oak, followed by several years in bottle, has softened the wine’s structure and brought its ripe fruit, savoury complexity and gentle spice into graceful harmony.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Braised lamb with rosemary and garlic
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Rioja-inspired pisto with courgette, peppers, tomato and chickpeas