2016 Remelluri La Granja Gran Reserva Rioja

The 2016 Remelluri La Granja Gran Reserva Rioja is a benchmark single-estate Rioja that captures the finesse and longevity of one of Spain’s most storied terroirs. Sourced exclusively from the original, historic Remelluri vineyards, this Gran Reserva is only produced in outstanding vintages and in limited quantities. Long aging in oak and bottle has shaped a wine of depth, complexity, and remarkable poise, standing as one of the most refined expressions of traditional yet forward-thinking Rioja.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 La Granja Gran Reserva shows a deep, luminous garnet core with a brick-red rim, hinting at both maturity and concentration. The nose is intricate and evolving: ripe red and black cherries, plum and dried fig are layered with notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, cigar box, and sweet spice, alongside hints of dried herbs, cocoa, leather, and a subtle balsamic lift. Delicate floral tones and a stony, mineral edge add further nuance. On the palate, this is finely structured and elegant rather than heavy, with silky but persistent tannins and a vibrant line of acidity that keeps everything precise and long. Flavors of redcurrant, dark cherry, and blackberry intertwine with savory notes of smoked tea, vanilla pod, clove, and earthy truffle, finishing with a lingering impression of spice and mineral salinity. Already harmonious and approachable, the 2016 has the concentration and balance to evolve beautifully in bottle for 15–20 years or more, gradually gaining additional tertiary complexity of leather, dried flowers, and fine cigar box.

Production
Remelluri’s La Granja Gran Reserva comes from the estate’s highest and oldest vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, set on poor limestone and clay soils with a strong rocky component that naturally limits yields and concentrates flavor. The vines, primarily Tempranillo with small portions of traditional Rioja varieties such as Garnacha and Graciano, are farmed organically with biodynamic principles, emphasizing biodiversity and minimal intervention. Harvesting is done by hand, parcel by parcel, to ensure only perfectly ripe and healthy grapes reach the winery. In the cellar, each plot is vinified separately using gentle extraction to preserve elegance, followed by an extended maturation—typically around 26 months—in carefully selected oak barrels (predominantly French, with some traditional formats) and then lengthy bottle aging before release. This patient, detail-driven approach is key to the wine’s complexity, balance, and longevity.

Food & Serving
The 2016 La Granja Gran Reserva is an outstanding partner for classic Spanish cuisine and refined, slow-cooked dishes. Think roasted or grilled lamb, game birds, venison, and braised beef, as well as Iberico pork, mushroom ragù, and richly flavored stews such as lamb shoulder with rosemary or Rioja-style beef. Aged Manchego, Comté, and other firm, nutty cheeses also make excellent companions. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large red wine glasses. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving will help the wine fully open its aromatics and soften its structure, particularly in its youth.

Producer
Remelluri is one of Rioja’s great estate-based producers, with roots tracing back to a 14th-century monastic farm in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa. Revived as a modern winery in the late 1960s by Jaime Rodríguez Salis, the estate became a pioneer of the single-vineyard concept in Rioja, focusing on its own historic property rather than blending fruit from across the region. Today, under the stewardship of Telmo Rodríguez and his sister Amaia, Remelluri is celebrated for combining traditional Rioja craftsmanship with meticulous vineyard work and organic, terroir-driven principles. The estate’s top wines, including La Granja Gran Reserva, are widely regarded as some of the most elegant and ageworthy expressions of Rioja, helping cement the region’s reputation for fine, world-class reds.

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