Wine La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Gran Reserva DOC 2014

Rioja is Spain's wine and also arguably the best wine region in Spain, known for producing red wines from the Tempranillo varietal. La Rioja Alta is one of the most important estates in the Rioja region, founded in 1890 by several families from the town of Haro. The producer has worked on its reputation for many years, creating subtle and elegant wines. It is particularly known for its classic, spicy Gran Reserva red wines with the potential to age for many years.

La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Gran Reserva DOC in the 2014 vintage is a cherry-colored wine with a hint of pomegranate in the glass. Aromas include ripe notes of red fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and plum jam, but also mushrooms and nuts. There will also be barrel aromas, namely vanilla, tobacco, coffee and caramel. The mouthfeel is dominated by the freshness and structure characteristic of the brand, which is intertwined with soft and balanced tannins. The finish is elegant and ripe, full of red fruits and a balsamic note.

The wine will especially go well with all kinds of meats, and stews. It will also be an excellent complement to seasonal fish and chocolate-based desserts.

Wine reviews of La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva Viña Arana DOCa Rioja 2014

"Lots of mushroom and nut aromas with plum and leather in the background. Full-bodied but very soft, with lots of old wood, mushrooms and ripe fruit on the finish. Some chocolate and hazelnuts. Complex and wonderful." - James Suckling

"The keynote of La Rioja Alta for Viña Arana is freshness - I agree." - Decanter

Vega Sicilia Vineyard

La Rioja Alta is one of the most important estates in the Rioja region, founded in 1890 by five Riojan and Basque families. It is particularly known for its classically styled, spiced Gran Reserva-class wines, which can age gracefully for many decades. The winery shares its name with the Rioja Alta (Upper Rioja) sub-region, where many of its vineyards are located.

The estate consists of about 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of vineyards around Rioja, planted mainly with Tempranillo, but with a wealth of other varieties, including Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo. The indigenous La Rioja Alta winery is located in Haro, but there is also a second location in Labastida in Rioja Alavesa, which was built in 1996. The Haro winery has a cooperage where barrels are made from American oak.

Awards: La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva Viña Arana DOCa Rioja 2014

• Robert Parker - 90/100
• James Suckling - 96/100
• Decanter - 96/100
• Tim Atkin - 94/100