2018 Beronia Reserva Rioja

Bodegas Beronia was founded in 1973 by a group of friends from the Basque country who wanted the best wine to accompany their gastronomic get-togethers. The winery was acquired by Gonzalez Byass in 1982, while some of the original founders still visit the winery to dine as they have done for decades. It is renowned for its Rioja Alta vineyards, its gastronomic origins, and its innovative barrel program.

The Rioja region is subdivided into three areas, Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa; Bodegas Beronia is located in Ollauri, at the heart of Rioja Alta, with the highest elevation of the three areas. The region is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and has a mix of clay and chalky soils.

The name Beronia is linked to the history of the region. During the 3rd Century BC the region, known today as La Rioja Alta, was inhabited by the “Berones,” a Celtic tribe who called the area “Beronia.”

Bodegas Beronia is the first winery in Europe to gain LEED (Leader in Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design) certification. The winery is situated beneath a plant-covered roof, partially underground to permit efficient energy use.

The 2018 Beronia Reserva Rioja is a blend of 95% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano and 1% Mazuelo. The Tempranillo grapes come from vines that are about 40 years old. After cold pre-fermentation, maceration and controlled fermentation, the wine spent 18 months in Beronia’s signature mixed barrels made from American oak staves and French oak tops, to create a wine in the “Beronia Style.” The wine then rested in the bottle for another 18 months before being released.

The resulting wine is deep violet in color with a nose of roasted almonds and walnuts, followed by ripe fruit and hints of pepper. On the palate the wine is full-bodied with a balanced acidity. Inscribed on the bottle in Spanish is the phrase “Born among friends to be enjoyed with friends.”

Wine Enthusiast’s Mike DeSimone awarded this wine 92 points stating, “Deep violet to the eye, this wine has a nose of black plum, dark chocolate and dried hillside herbs. Bold red berry flavors are joined by plush tannins and deeper notes of mocha, truffle and thyme. As flavors and textures wind down on the palate, a note of orange zest remains.”

James Suckling also awarded this wine 92 points.

The winemakers recommend pairing this wine with roast meat, cured meats and mature cheese. This will cellar well till 2030.