Roda Sela Estate Bottled Rioja DOCa 2018, Spain

Bodegas Roda was founded in 1987 and is considered “the most modern of the traditionalists and the most traditional of the modernists.” Roda works with a total of 120 hectares – 70 owned by Roda and 50 by contracted growers – all bush vines; no irrigation; minimum intervention (no chemically synthesized products and use of cover crops). Rioja was the first Spanish wine region to obtain DO status, in 1925. In 1991, it was promoted to DOCa (Qualified Designation of Origin), a higher category reserved for wines maintaining a proven consistency and quality over a long period of time. Sela 2018 is 95% Tempranillo, 2% Graciano and 3% Garnacha. Vineyards: Low yielding vines of 15-30 years on limestone soils with chalk layers and poor in nutrients at 450-600 meters elevation in Haro. Winemaking: Malolactic fermentation in French oak followed by 12 months aging in second and third year old French oak barrique. Tasting Notes: Color: Medium layer with a bright red background and a light red trim. Nose: The nose is very intense, full of fresh fruit that overflows the glass. Red fruits, raspberries, strawberries and cherries that are mixed with each other. A very light, very subtle note of oak appears in the background. In addition to the fruit, there is complexity and mineral and slightly spicy notes appear. It has a spark of gunpowder and Sichuan pepper that fill it with joy. Palate: Medium and continuous volume, without troughs. It is very fresh and the tannin is fine. Red fruits fill the palate and stay for a long time. It is very long and pleasant.

$36.99