- Region
- Rioja
- Producer
- Bodega Alegre Valgañon
- Vintage
- 2024
- Grape varieties
- 40% Tempranillo
- 20% Grenache / Garnacha
- Graciano
- Viura
- Garnacha Blanca
- Bottle size
- 75 cl
- Ratings
- 96 points James Suckling
- 92-95 points Vinous
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Classification
- DOCa
- Special characteristic
- Contains sulphites
96
Hand-picked field blend, of which whole bunches make up around 30%. The juice is left to ferment naturally before being left well alone for around 14 months in two used oak barrels (500 and 225 litres). Unfined, unfiltered, and with only minimal sulphur added.
Fascinating nose of cherry, blackberry, violet, bitter orange, tea, pepper and dark chocolate. Full-bodied but finely structured on the palate, with juicy dark fruit and silky tannins. Despite its rich character, this is a Rioja of precision and clarity. There is a long and elegantly reverberating finish, underscored with spicy and fruity notes.
The diminutive 0.45-hectare Bahierra vineyard in Fonzaleche sits 845 metres above sea level. This exceptional north- and east-facing site with vines planted over 100 years ago on stony, calcareous soils exemplifies the ethos of Alegre Valgañon, which is geared towards promoting biodiversity and healthy soils while harnessing the benefits of microorganisms.