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Ondarre Rioja Reserva
Kevin's comments: Smooth and subtle with the added complexity of vanilla and well integrated tannins in a long finish.
Chateau Tasting Notes
BODEGAS ONDARRE RIOJA RESERVA
Rioja is the leading wine region of Spain producing predominantly red wines in the north of the country.
When in the 1880's phylloxera struck in the Bordeaux region many of its vignerons crossed the border into Spain, bringing their winemaking skills. They set out to serve mainly the needs of the French market with wine made in Rioja according to French methods; the barrica, identical to the Bordeaux barriques of 225L, was introduced to mature the wines for 2 to 3 years and is still used in Rioja to this day.
Bodegas Ondare, whose winery is in Viana 10KM from Logrono, the Riojas capital, has all the advantages of a bodega which was conceived and designed with a new philosophy, and equipped with the very latest vinification equipment, housed in spacious, tastefully designed buildings.
The whole process of production and ageing, from the arrival of the grapes at the winery through to the extraction of the must, its fermentation at low temperatures and the selection of locally-produced yeasts, is carried out with the most advanced equipment. This modern equipment is used in conjunction with the well-tried, traditional methods and the old wisdom of the bodegueros of the Rioja which have given such fame and prestige to the wines of the region.
Bodegas Ondarre is, without doubt, one of the most modern bodegas in the Rioja, rivalling the most advanced in the world.
Grape Varieties: 75% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 15 Mazuela/Graciano
Vinification: Each grape variety was fermented separately in temperature controlled vats lasting 16-18 days at 26-28C. The wine is racked for 1 year in stainless steel vats.
Ageing: 16 months in American and French oak barriques, followed by further ageing in bottle. The wine is only released for sale when it is ready for drinking at its best.
Colour: Intense cherry red
Serve: At room temperature to accompany roast meats, game and stews.
Taste: Smooth and subtle with the added complexity of vanilla and well integrated long-lasting tannins.
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