Izadi, Rioja Reserva Single Half Bottle

Country: Spain Region: Rioja  

Varietal: Tempranillo and blends

Category: Red Wine Style: Dry

Producer: Izadi

Description:
The winery sits in the small village of Villabuena in the Rioja Alavesa, the highest part of the region, at 400-600 metres above sea level. All of the 187 hectares of vineyards, either owned or leased on long term contracts, are located in the triangle formed by the three villages of Villabuena, Samaniego and Abalos. Due to the high altitude, there is a dramatic difference (up to 20°C) in temperature between night and day, which encourages the development of aromatics in the grapes. The distinctive white calcareous soils are mainly planted with old Tempranillo vines, traditionally bush trained for better exposure to the sun and ranging from 30-100 years old.

Ruth Rodriguez is at the head of the winemaking team, a young and dynamic winemaker with experience in Sicily, New Zealand and Chile. The Rioja Blanco, made from a blend of 80% Viura and 20% Malvasia, is a modern style of white Rioja, combining purity of fruit with a subtle use of new French oak to add further complexity. Izadi's flagship wine, the Rioja Reserva, uses only hand-picked grapes from 30-40 year old vines. The wine is aged for 14 months in top quality American and French oak barrels and for two further years in bottle to qualify for Reserva status. Lively red and black fruit flavours combine with oak, toast and spice notes, giving a remarkably complex wine for its modest price point.

Tasting Notes:
Shiny ruby red in colour. Rich aromatic intensity and a nice balance of red fruit, liquorice and spices, with hints of smoke in the background. Elegant and round on the palate with a long aftertaste full of floral and ripe fruit notes.

Food Suggestion: Drink with a selection of appetisers such as Iberico and Serrano ham, chorizo and other cold meats or cheeses.