Vino Villota Selvanevada Rioja Tinto

Vino Villota Selvanevada Rioja Tinto is an expressive dry red wine from the acclaimed Rioja Alavesa region in Spain. Produced by the esteemed Vino Villota winery, this wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo, showcasing the classic flavors of Rioja with a fresh and modern twist. The combination of traditional winemaking techniques and the unique terroir of Rioja Alavesa results in a vibrant and approachable wine that truly reflects the rich heritage of the region.

Denominacion de Origen: D.O.Ca. Rioja

Location: Laserna, a small village located on the Ebro River in the municipality of Laguardia, in the province of Álava. Rioja Alavesa sub-zone.

Varietal: 86% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 4% Mazuelo, 2% Garnacha

Vineyards: Finca San Rafael, owned and cultivated by the Villota family since the 1930’s. The vineyard is distributed on three terraces that slope gently towards the Ebro River.

Year(s) Planted: 1930-1990

Viticulture: Traditional dry-farmed manual viticulture, without the use of systemic herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. Vines cultivated primarily “en vaso” or goblet style head trained vines.

Soils: Primarily of calcareous iron-rich clay, with a high percentage of limestone, and with a deep reddish color. Thousands of years ago the site was covered by the river, and over the years it deposited canto rodado, or galets, across the whole vineyard. Today, certain parcels are completely covered by an impermeable surface of canto rodado, or rolled river stones.

Climate: Continental Mediterranean, with a slight Atlantic influence which is moderated by the Sierra de Cantabria. Average annual temperature is 13.8 C (56.8 F) and annual rainfall is around 500 l/m2.

Winemaking: Rigorous double sorting at the winery (before and after destemming). The grapes ferment spontaneously in stainless steel tanks with temperature control and remontage. The Tempranillo and Graciano are co-vinified to favor co-pigmentation while the Garnacha and Mazuelo are vinified separately. Gentle press in a vertical basket press. MLF in stainless steel tanks.

Aging: The wine is aged for 6 months in French oak barrique (2nd and 3rd use) and a further four months in bottle before release.

Comments: Viñas del Lentisco – Villota is owned, operated, and founded by Carmen Pérez-Garrigues and her father Ricardo Pérez- Villota, the fourth and third generations of the Pérez-Villota family, a line of growers that have been rooted to the San Rafael estate in Laserna, Laguardia on a meander of the Ebro River since 1930. From the early 1940's through 1973, the Pérez-Villota family were CVNE's top grape supplier at Viña Real. In 1973, the Villota family cofounded Viñedos del Contino, Rioja's first single estate winery with José Ángel Madrazo and CVNE. The partnership lasted until 2013, when the Villota family broke off, taking the historic family estate with them, and founded their own winery under the Villota brand on this historic plot of land.

Nose
The nose of Vino Villota Selvanevada Rioja Tinto is rich and aromatic, with enticing notes of ripe red cherries, blackberries, and plums. Subtle hints of vanilla, baking spices, and a touch of earthy minerality add depth and complexity to the bouquet, giving it a warm and inviting character.

Palate
On the palate, this Rioja is medium-bodied and well-balanced. The flavors of juicy red and black fruits are beautifully complemented by hints of oak, spice, and a touch of tobacco. The soft tannins and bright acidity provide a smooth and elegant mouthfeel, making it both easy to drink and complex enough to savor.

Finish
The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of dark berries, spice, and a delicate hint of vanilla. The well-integrated tannins and refreshing acidity ensure a clean and satisfying aftertaste, making each sip a pleasure.

Vino Villota Selvanevada Rioja Tinto pairs wonderfully with a variety of Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. Its richness and balance make it an excellent match for grilled meats, particularly lamb, beef, and pork. It also complements traditional Spanish tapas, such as chorizo, jamón ibérico, and patatas bravas. For a classic Rioja pairing, enjoy it with roasted lamb or a platter of Manchego cheese and olives.