Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2019
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, aged in oak. The 2019 vintage leans slightly riper and more concentrated than 2018, offering darker fruit and a touch more structure without sacrificing Valserrano’s signature elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum, and blackberry compote layered with vanilla, cocoa, sweet tobacco, and a hint of dried herbs. Subtle licorice and baking spice linger on the finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with polished tannins and more grip than the 2018. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the finish is smooth, long, and quietly complex.

Food Pairings
Lamb chops, Iberian pork, roasted mushrooms, aged Manchego, or paella with chorizo.

Verdict
A refined yet slightly richer expression of Valserrano Reserva. Dark fruit, subtle earth, and graceful spice come together with impressive balance and drinkability. Classic Rioja with modern finesse.

Did You Know?
The Valserrano estate, founded in 1880, is still family-run and among the pioneers of Rioja Alavesa. Higher elevation and limestone soils are key to the region’s lifted acidity and refined tannin profile. — 16 hours ago

Damian

9.3

Cedar, fruit in the background, coconut?. Mature and delicious — 8 days ago

President Obama

9.2

I should figure out what crianza means. In Madrid with Al and Tom! — 13 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2020 vintage. Gotta whole lotta oak. Gotta whole lotta oak. Gotta whole lotta oak. Way down inside…11.19.25. — 17 days ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2012 | morello cherries, good balance, a bit dry aftertaste — 18 days ago

Kate

9.0

Dark fruit. Vanilla. Smooth with a spicy finish — 7 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2016 vintage. Nice but not nearly as impressive as the 2015 effort. 11.19.25. — 17 days ago

John Bratincevic

9.0

NOSE: Clearly Rioja. Waxy milk chocolate, baking spices, vanilla. Dried fig.

TASTE: thinner and brighter than expected, more and fresher fruit (pomegranate and cherries, maybe some blackberry), bitter chocolate, baking spices, leather. “Silky” — even glassy. Good. 90. — 15 days ago

John Osgood

9.1

Classic and very enjoyable. Nice silky texture on the palate. — 4 days ago

Ken Southall

9.2

Full bodied with a bit of pepper. A bit pricier at $40 — 17 days ago