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Buy any 6 bottles and save 5%. Buy any 12 bottles and save 10% (excludes wines on offer). Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Tel: 02922 337454
2016 Martelo Reserva Rioja, Torre de Oña Wine Republic

2016 Martelo Reserva Rioja, Torre de Oña

Rioja Alavesa, Spain

Alavesa Velvet

Silky and quietly commanding, Martelo brings together generous Rioja fruit and a wonderfully savoury sense of detail. Raspberry, blackberry and blueberry rise from the glass, layered with balsamic freshness, liquorice and clove. As it opens, hints of leather, woodland and warm patisserie emerge, giving the aromas depth without overwhelming the fruit. The oak is expressive but beautifully woven in, adding sweet spice and a gently toasted richness.

The palate is rounded and supple, with juicy berry fruit carried by polished tannins and a refreshing line of acidity. There is real concentration here, yet the wine moves with an ease that makes another sip almost inevitable. A fine, chalky grip provides definition, while red fruit, spice and a touch of dark chocolate linger through the finish. Already rewarding to drink, with the balance and structure for further development, this is a Reserva for those who love Rioja’s familiar warmth alongside freshness, precision and a little more depth.

For when: Sunday lunch becomes a long afternoon around the table.

Pairs with: Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, slow-braised beef cheeks, grilled Iberico pork, venison casserole, wild mushroom and thyme tart or aged Manchego.

Martelo takes its name from the estate vineyard in Rioja Alavesa, where vines over 60 years old stood at around 630 metres for this vintage. Tempranillo grows alongside small amounts of other traditional varieties, including the white grape Viura, preserving the diversity of an old vineyard planting. The wine brings that heritage into focus through carefully selected fruit and patient maturation, combining the generosity of a Reserva with the freshness of its elevated setting.

Whats in the bottle
95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, Garnacham Viura

Notable Awards
95 points, Decanter

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£42.00
£42.00 - £42.00
£42.00
£34.95
£34.95 - £34.95
£34.95
Availability:
In stock

Torre de Oña is based in Páganos, near Laguardia, in Rioja Alavesa. Part of the La Rioja Alta, S.A. group since 1995, it was developed around the idea of an estate wine whose personality comes from the vineyards surrounding the winery. That focus gives Torre de Oña its own identity within the group, with an emphasis on vineyard character, expressive fruit and finely judged structure.

Detailed study of the estate’s plots became central to its approach from 2005 onwards. The team mapped differences within the vineyards, divided them into smaller parcels and began making and ageing their wines separately. This work allows each area’s character to be assessed before blending, with older vines and carefully selected sites providing the foundation for Finca Martelo.

Winemaking is led by Alejandro López, building on the vineyard research and technical work developed under Julio Sáenz. The philosophy combines precise parcel selection with traditional cellar practices, using oak to develop texture and complexity while retaining the fruit and freshness that distinguish the estate’s wines.

The 2016 blend comprises 95% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo, Garnacha and Viura, from vines over 60 years old. Favourable conditions supported a long harvest and balanced ripening. Grapes were picked by hand into 20 kg boxes and refrigerated on arrival at the winery.

After destemming and crushing, the fruit underwent a seven-day cold soak below 10°C. Following alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation took place in American and French oak barrels over 98 days, with weekly lees stirring.

The wine matured for 24 months in oak barrels, 80% American and 20% French, with four traditional rackings. A further six months in tank brought the final blend together before bottling in June 2020.

Alcohol: 14.5%. Total acidity: 5.3 g/L. pH: 3.57.