Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2018

From humble beginnings, Valenciso has become one of the leading lights of Rioja's small, yet growing band of terroir-focused producers. The operation began in 1998 when Luis Valentín and Carmen Enciso rented a small warehouse with barely enough space to produce their first vintage of 2000 cases. Things have steadily progressed from there and no one who follows the area well would dispute the benchmark status that is now regularly afforded this producer.

The Reserva naturally fermented in concrete vats and the wine was then aged for 18 months in (mostly) low-toast Radoux French oak barriques. In recent vintages, 10% of the wine has also been raised in low-toast Caucasus oak, further lessening the wine’s already minimal wood influence. Following aging in barrel, the wine was transferred back to concrete vats to settle for a further 24 months before release. Luis and Carmen find the wine clarifies so well in concrete that there is no need to fine or filter the wine before bottling.