La Rioja Alta stands as a paragon of traditional Rioja winemaking, renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and time-honoured techniques. The Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2017 exemplifies this philosophy, crafted predominantly from Tempranillo, complemented by a judicious proportion of Graciano, sourced from the estate's high-altitude vineyards in Rioja Alta.
The Gran Reserva designation mandates extensive ageing, and this wine adheres to a rigorous programme: two years in American oak barrels, followed by a minimum of three years of bottle maturation in the winery's cellars. This meticulous process allows for the gradual evolution of complex aromatics and a refined palate structure. The 2017 vintage, while presenting its challenges, yielded fruit of remarkable concentration and balance for producers of La Rioja Alta's calibre, resulting in a wine poised for significant development.
Tasting notes
The Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2017 presents a deep ruby hue, evolving towards garnet at the rim. The nose is a complex tapestry of red and black fruits—cherries, plums—intertwined with classic American oak notes of vanilla, coconut, and subtle balsamic undertones, alongside hints of leather and tobacco leaf from bottle age. On the palate, it is elegantly structured, with fine-grained tannins and a vibrant acidity that underpins its considerable depth. Flavours echo the nose, with added nuances of dried herbs and a touch of spice. The finish is long, persistent, and remarkably harmonious, promising further integration and complexity with additional cellaring.