Rioja Oriental Reserva DOCa 2017

Vineyards

Sourced from Viñedos de Alfaro’s estate vineyards in Rioja Oriental, the vines grow in clay-calcareous soils at altitudes between 300 and 400 metres. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm days and cool nights, supports optimal ripening, lending depth and balance to the fruit.

Winemaking

This Reserva is crafted from a blend of 40% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha,15% Graciano and 15% Mazuelo. Hand-harvested grapes undergo meticulous sorting before fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve varietal character. The wine is aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 18 months in bottle, developing complexity and structure.

Appearance

The wine presents a deep garnet hue with ruby highlights, showcasing its richness and aging potential.

Nose

On the nose, aromas of ripe blackberries and currants are interwoven with notes of dried herbs, creamy oak, and a hint of balsamic, creating an aromatic profile that reflects the wine's complexity and time in oak.

Palate

The palate is powerful and structured, with concentrated flavours of black fruit, complemented by nuances of spicy oak and dried herbs. The wine’s round tannins and smooth texture lead to a persistent finish with balanced freshness, showcasing the elegance and depth typical of Rioja Oriental. A rich mouthfeel and subtle minerality from the clay-calcareous soils add a sense of place and refinement to this wine’s long, satisfying finish.

Food pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with roasted meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses, complementing its depth, structure, and robust character.

Accolades

91 points in the Guía Peñín 

Background story

Viñedos de Alfaro, a family-owned winery in Rioja Oriental, has been producing exceptional wines since 1974 across its 100 hectares in Alfaro and Aldeanueva de Ebro. Known for cultivating native varieties such as Graciano, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Viura, the estate practices sustainable viticulture and holds High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, reflecting its commitment to quality and environmental care.

In 2005, a state-of-the-art winery was established, enabling meticulous control from vineyard to bottle. Viñedos de Alfaro’s two ranges include the classic Real Agrado and a limited-production series of single-vineyard cuvées like Rodiles and Conde del Real Agrado, each aged in French and American oak barrels for depth and complexity. Key vineyards such as Canterabuey, Rioja’s first Viñedo Singular (Single Vineyard), and La Planas on Yerga Mountain, reflect the diversity of Rioja Oriental’s terroir.

These are authentic wines that have a sense of place. Whilst honouring the region's heritage they are also pioneers both within Rioja and in their craft as winemakers.