Villota Red 2021

Since its official designation in 1925, DOCa. Rioja has always pursued excellence. This culminated in 1991, when the denomination was awarded the title of “qualificada”, the highest wine classification in Spain (a title shared only with El Priorat). Now, it is taking a step forward, with a new geographical indication emerging: Viñedo Singular. This designation was introduced in 2017 to identify wines from very particular vineyard plots, which meet very specific conditions: an average age of the vines of 35 years, environmentally sustainable cultivation, manual harvesting and a maximum production of 5,000 kg per hectare (for reds) and 6,922 kg (for whites).

It is precisely this type of vineyard that is used to produce Villota Tinto, a Rioja wine produced by the Villota winery in Rioja Alavesa, in the south of the province of Álava, on the north bank of the Ebro River. Villota Tinto is made with the best grapes from the different varieties planted by Ricardo Pérez Calvet, the grandfather of the generation that now runs the winery. The altitude of the property, which covers 113 hectares, varies between 380 and 420 metres above sea level, and borders the Ebro River for 3 kilometres. The selected bunches of grapes are harvested by hand and transported to the winery in boxes, where they are fermented separately. After blending, Villota Tinto finishes its refinement for 18 months in fine-grain French oak barrels and concrete tanks.

Villota, previously associated with Cvne under the name Viñedos del Contino, has always been a reference in premium wines. Now, as part of a new chapter in its history, led by Carmen Pérez Garrigues (great-granddaughter of the founder), Villota Tinto has been launched, an exceptional wine to savour the true essence of Rioja Alavesa.

Tasting note: Cherry red color, very covered. Intense and very attractive. Aromas of ripe black fruits and black pepper. Mineral hints. Wide mouth. Its volume in the mouth makes it very tasty. Velvety character. Good balance.