Bodegas de la Marquesa Valserrano El Ribazo, 2016

Elegant full-bodied red rioja

With the glass held still, dark-berried fruit nuances appear, such as blueberries and blackberries, and even hints of violets. When the wine is swirled, the reminders of black fruit are heightened and aromas of liquorice appear, along with some lactic tones.

• 24 months in American and French oak
• 93 points Cathal McBride, The Sunday Business Post, 16/11/22
• Tim Atkin (94 pts)

 Cellaring Potential: Drinking now to 2032

Food pairing: Grilled or roasted meat dishes

STORY BEHIND THIS WINE

The wines produced by the fifth generation of the de Simon family from their 65-hectare estate are classic old school traditional Rioja. The wines are all hand-harvested and handmade, just as they were when the winery first went into production in the late 19th century. The original underground cellars, carved out of rock at a depth of 10 metres, remain, though today wine is made, aged and bottled in new air-conditioned facilities. Care and attention to detail are paramount. Generous fruit and well-integrated oak, both American and French, give their wines an appealing and distinctive character. This dedication to high standards has generated a warm critical response to the estatres suite of wines, including favourable mention by Decanter magazine. Read more.