"Eralena" Viñedo Centenario Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva 2015

Vineyards

The Garnacha grapes for Eralena Viñedo Centenario Gran Reserva 2015 are sourced from century-old vines, among the oldest in Rioja Oriental. The vineyard's clay-calcareous soils, coupled with its high altitude and Mediterranean influence, yield grapes of exceptional intensity and balance. This prestigious site is in the process of earning the “Viñedo Prefiloxérico” designation, recognising vines planted before 1899, making this a truly historic vineyard.

Winemaking

This single-barrel wine is crafted with meticulous care. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in a wooden vat, and aged for 30 months in barriques. The wine undergoes an additional three years of bottle aging before release, resulting in unparalleled depth and elegance. Eralena represents the pinnacle of Rioja winemaking, blending tradition and innovation.

Appearance

Deep ruby with garnet highlights, reflecting its concentration and maturity.

Nose

An intricate bouquet of ripe plum, blackberry compote, and dried fig is complemented by notes of Christmas spices, caramel, and rum-soaked fruit. Nuances of toasted nuts, liquorice, and a touch of leather add layers of complexity.

Palate

Flattering and elegant, the palate showcases ripe fruit flavours of dark berries and dried fruits, harmonised with hints of spice and liquorice. Well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity provide structure and balance, leading to a long, aromatic finish with savoury and nutty undertones.

Food pairing

This rare Gran Reserva pairs beautifully with slow-roasted lamb, braised game, or aged Manchego cheese. Its elegance and structure also make it a refined choice for enjoying on its own as a contemplative wine.

Accolades

94 points, Falstaff, 92 points, Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

Background story

In 2015 just one barrel was made - 12 bottles were allocated to Sommelier's Choice for the UK. 

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.