Spanish success on Jancis Robinson: Remirez de Ganuza and Bodgeas Altanza

Jancis Robinson's right hand man for Spanish wines, Ferran Centelles, reviews our Remírez de Ganuza Reserva 2006 and Altanza Lealtanza Reserva 2009 in his most recent write up on Rioja.

"I take my hat off to Remirez de Ganuza Reserva 2006" 17.5

Winemaker Carlos Ferreiro @ Bodgeas Altanza

Winemaker Fernando @ Remirez de Ganuza

The below are all comments taken from this report...

Overview:

"The Reserva category was extensively represented with almost 60 wineries choosing to present wines from this category (remember that just one wine from each winery was submitted to my tasting at the Consejo). Reserva wines were one step ahead of the Crianzas...

Crianza must spend 12 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle before being released, while the Reservas must have three years' ageing, of which at least one is in barrel. Most of the Reservas have longer barrel ageing than required; 18 to 24 months is the rule within this category.

The weakest mature vintage was 2008, while 2009 and 2007 showed a fresher and cleaner character. I take my hat off to Remirez de Ganuza Reserva 2006, Barón de Chirel Reserva 2010 and Viña Ardanza from the great 2005 vintage."

Altanza Lealtanza Reserva 2009 Rioja
Tempranillo. Since it was launched in 1998, Altanza has managed to achieve a very respected image within theregion. It is located in Galilea (Rioja Baja) at 300 m. Vineyards planted with old vines dating back to 1960s. Aged for 15 months in French oak. Carlos Ferreiro, winemaker, points out, ‘Lealtanza Reserva is half modern and half classic in style, respecting the fruit and using French oak just to gain elegance’. Rioja integrated style. I do completely agree with Carlos Ferreiro’s comment; this is a clear example of an integrated style. On one hand the nose seems oldfashioned with cloves, cedar and, leather, clearly complex and developing bouquet. On the other hand, the palate is creamy, dairy, dense and with a touch of sweetness from a very ripe fruit. Overall it is complex and elegant but still easy to drink. (FC) 13.5%
Drink 2014- 2020 • 15.5

Fernando Remírez de Ganuza Reserva 2006 RiojaTempranillo, Graciano, pomace from Viura and Malvasía. Flagship winery created in 1989. Located in Rioja Alavesa with old vines (1940-1970) at 500-600 m. Low yields. Cold maceration, remarkable selection at the sorting table. Aged in new French and American oak. Star producer Fernando Remirez de Ganuza points out,‘Remirez is a contemporary wine, it combines an elegant character with a full palate, very Alavesa in style’.
 

Rioja integrated style. Remirez shone particularly well in the blind tasting. The vintage 2002 was described by Jancis as clever, without trying to be something bigger or bolder. The 2006 continues in this vein with a great expression on the nose, toasty, coffee, cedar and mature. Very stimulating acidity for an eight-year-old wine. Very fine grained and savoury palate, expressive and long. (FC)
Drink 2014- 2024 • 17.5