2017 Gran Reserva Viña Arana, La Rioja Alta

Glowing garnet in the glass with a soft cherry-red rim, the 2017 Viña Arana Gran Reserva is Rioja elegance dialled all the way up. The nose is immediately expressive, bursting with redcurrant, raspberry and blackberry, layered with beautifully judged notes from long, patient ageing. Think Lebanese cedar, clove and nutmeg, followed by vanilla, mocha and a gentle hint of toasted caramel. Everything feels composed, refined, and quietly confident.

On the palate, it’s a masterclass in balance. Bright, refreshing acidity lifts the ripe red fruit, while silky, finely grained tannins give the wine a smooth, flowing texture. There’s freshness at its core, depth through the mid-palate, and a long, graceful finish that seems to echo with spice and fruit long after the glass is empty. It’s poised rather than powerful, elegant rather than showy, and built to evolve beautifully over time.

For when: the table’s full, the candles are lit, and you want something timeless.
Pairs with: roast lamb, slow-cooked beef, or Manchego and conversation.

Behind the label sits one of Spain’s true great wine institutions. La Rioja Alta was founded in 1890 and remains family-owned, widely regarded as the guardian of classical Rioja. Based in Haro, the winery is famed for its meticulous long ageing, in-house cooperage, and an unwavering commitment to elegance over excess. Viña Arana comes from the estate’s prized vineyards in Rioja Alta, where altitude and Atlantic influence preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Aged patiently in American oak barrels crafted by the winery’s own coopers, the wine reflects La Rioja Alta’s signature style: precision, restraint, and longevity. This is Rioja made with time, confidence, and an unshakeable sense of identity.