Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2020
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A Crianza-level Rioja built for approachability, freshness, and everyday enjoyment. Predominantly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, aged briefly in oak to soften the edges while preserving fruit purity.
Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry, and plum with hints of licorice, vanilla, and subtle spice. Light herbal notes and soft oak support without dominating.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light body, juicy and vibrant with mild tannins and easy-going acidity. Friendly texture that drinks effortlessly, even slightly chilled.
Food Pairings
Tapas, grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, or chorizo, anything casual and flavorful.
Verdict
An easy-drinking, fruit-forward Rioja that embraces the modern, relaxed side of Rioja Alavesa. Fun, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing without trying too hard.
Did You Know?
Crianza wines are Spain’s most versatile category, requiring a minimum of 2 years of aging with at least 1 year in oak, striking the sweet spot between young fruit and gentle structure. — 10 months ago
Good Cali blend — 7 years ago
I’ll have the whole bottle, please. — 9 years ago
Easy drinking cab. Black cherry fruit. Not overly dry. — 10 years ago
Quirky but nice — 11 years ago
Great value for the price. Fresh. Fresh. Fresh. Raspberry. Cranberry. I like it. Would buy again. 12.6% abv. — 13 years ago
Maria Victória — 8 months ago
May have been slightly off. Can’t put my finger on it. — 5 years ago
39.97 from new season. Balanced. Round. Worth the price. Would buy again — 8 years ago
Lovely yellow hue opens up a powerful nose filled with dirt, grass, rice, and honeysuckle. The palate proceeds to get smothered with a perfect amount of oak coupled with honey and lemon. A mildly tart finish makes this the perfect summer white. Great recommendation by the local rep and Happy 4th to everyone!....a mid-dinner update....massive green apple comes through with food! — 9 years ago
My favorite Cabernet. — 11 years ago
Excellent cab! Always great from Ridge, this one is full bodied, nicely aged (still has room to age more, but wonderful right now!, wish i had a couple more) — 10 months ago
Light ruby hue. Aromas of cherry, cream, grass, minerals, and smoke. Medium-light body, soft tannins, and plus acidity. Bright and balanced with a lasting finish. A little tight at first, but softens after opening a while with hints of vanilla on the palate. — 4 years ago
A little dry but light on tannins, currant, pepper, smooth finish. — 5 years ago
My favorite Malbec so far. — 7 years ago
Tried the '90 recently, spoke of how amazing a producer of Californian Cabernet it is, but just needed a little more time, this '85 is well & truly on point, everything is in balance, there's fruit intensity yes, but the development/complexity/layers are really shining through, outstanding stuff. — 10 years ago
Paired well with a lamb, eggplant purée, fava beans, piquolo pepper. Would also pair with a medium rare magret duck or other game. — 11 years ago
Savory. Interesting. Fantastic. — 12 years ago
Dry and cherry. Yum! — 13 years ago
Robert Torretti
Nice, cool-climate California Pinot Noir. Good red and dark fruits on the palate. I served it a bit too cold, but as it warmed up, the earthiness that this wine is known for came through. I don’t love California Pinot, but Rhys almost always impresses me. — 8 months ago