The producer
Created in 1890, La Rioja Alta is unusual for that time as a consortium of several families established as a company. There have been several changes among the shareholders, most notably the merger of one of the founders of the company – Ardanza – with La Rioja Alta. “Ardanza” was the top reserva of the range for decades. The signature of La Rioja Alta is the use of American oak for all the range – a range notable for the high quality at all levels from the crianza Vina Alberdi through to the three Gran Reservas.
The pinnacle wines are named for the year of merger with Ardanza – Gran Reserva 904 (dropping the “1”) and the year of founding – Gran Reserva 890. Their La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza is also an excellent wine, especially when a reserva ia made.
The wine
The Reserva is a blend of predominantly Tempranillo with a smaller proportion of Garnacha, both sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Rioja Alta. The wine exhibits a deep, ruby color and a complex bouquet of red and black berries, dried herbs, spices, and hints of vanilla and tobacco, thanks to its extended aging in American oak barrels. On the palate, it is elegant and well-structured, with silky tannins and a balanced acidity that provides freshness and longevity.
