Bodegas Fernandez de Pierola 2005 Gran Reserva Rioja DOCa Spain

Established in 1996 and committed to both innovation and tradition, Bodegas Fernández de Piérola has focused on producing single-vineyard wines that express the character of their estate vineyards in Moreda, the easternmost municipality in Rioja Alavesa.

The Bodegas Fernández de Piérola vineyards enjoy a unique microclimate and terroir; moderate rainfall, south-facing slopes which allow adequate luminosity, poor calcareous soil, low production, a large diurnal range, the difference in temperature between day and night, which allows the Tempranillo grapes to reach optimal ripening.

The grapes for this wine come from 45-year-old vines. This 100% Tempranillo wine is aged 30 months in American oak barrels and 6 months in French oak barrels. Afterward, it remained in the cellar for a minimum of 96 months, that’s eight years, to achieve a perfect refinement in the bottle before its release. Color, brick red color. On the nose, intense aromas of leather, balsamic vinegar and raisins. On the palate, fine and silky, with hints of dark ripe fruits, sweet spices, and roasted coffee, and a very long finish.

I enjoyed this wine tremendously and now you should. Great wine at a great price. Stock up for holiday celebrations, gifts and anytime you want to drink a great bottle of wine for less. 

The D.O.Ca. wine category is only conferred to those wine regions that have adhered to high standards of quality during a long and sustained period of time.

The first wine appellation to achieve the D.O.Ca. status was Rioja in 1991.

Estate Bottled

100% Tempranillo

Aged 36 months in American and French oak barrels.