The Essence of Age: Crafting Rioja's Masterpieces
Time, wood, and grapes all dance together in perfect harmony throughout the aging process of Rioja wines, creating bottles that tell tales of their origin and labor. Hacienda López de Haro and Ramón Bilbao are two of the most important wineries in this procedure since they have preserved the skill of maturing for decades.
A masterpiece of Rioja winemaking, Crianza by Ramón Bilbao spends a painstaking fourteen months in American oak casks.
The winery's dedication to both history and innovation is exemplified by this critical term in oak, which imparts rich nuances. The finished wine is a harmonious blend of flavors that captures the spirit of Rioja's distinctive terroir and the Tempranillo grape.
The Timeless Elegance of Gran Reserva
Gran Reserva wines are the pinnacle of Rioja's aging artistry. Hacienda López de Haro's Gran Reserva is an exquisite example, aged for 30 months in French and American oak, followed by a further 36 months in the bottle.
The wine's development is fostered by this lengthy age period, which gives it a silky texture and remarkable balance. Notable in the 2012 vintage are the nuanced oak-driven undertones that enhance the delicate balance of mature blackcurrant and blackberry fruit.
Rosé and Reserva: Variations in Aging
Hacienda López de Haro's 2019 Rosé showcases a different aspect of the aging process. Sourced from the Alto Najerilla region, it highlights the impact of shorter aging periods and the delicate balance between fruit and oak.
This rosé, with its intense aroma and graceful palate, offers a refreshing contrast to the traditional reds of Rioja.
Ramón Bilbao's 2016 Reserva Original, on the other hand, exemplifies the depth and complexity achievable through strategic aging. Twenty months spent in American oak and another twenty in the bottle demonstrate the winery's mastery at fusing old and new methods.
The end product is a Rioja wine that remains true to its origins and reflects the spirit of the region.
Details about the Wines:
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Ramón Bilbao Crianza
- Type: Crianza Red
- Region: Rioja
- Grape Variety: 100% Tempranillo
- Aging: 14 months in American oak barrels
- Winery: Bodegas Ramón Bilbao
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Hacienda López de Haro Gran Reserva
- Type: Gran Reserva Red
- Region: D.O.Ca Rioja
- Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano
- Aging: 30 months in French and American oak, 36 months in bottle
- Winery: Hacienda López de Haro
- Vintage: 2012
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Hacienda López de Haro Rosé
- Type: Rosé
- Region: Rioja
- Grape Varieties: Viura, Garnacha
- Vintage: 2019
- Winemaking: 24-48 hours maceration, fermentation at 10-12°C for 20 days
- Winery: Hacienda López de Haro
- Alcohol Content: 12.5% Vol
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Ramón Bilbao Reserva Original
- Type: Reserva Red
- Region: D.O.C. Rioja, Spain
- Grape Variety: 90% Tempranillo, with Cariñena and Graciano
- Aging: 20 months in American oak, 20 months in bottle
- Winery: Bodegas Ramón Bilbao
- Vintage: 2016
- Alcohol Content: 13.5% Vol.
Embracing the Aging Tradition
Rioja wines are defined by their maturing procedure, which is a tradition. Ramón Bilbao and Hacienda López de Haro have perfected this practice to make wines that reflect their grape varietals and time. These aged wines are a trip through time, a story of the region, and a celebration of the winemakers' craft.