La Rioja Alta
Overview
La Rioja Alta, S.A. is one of the great traditional Rioja houses, founded 1890 in the town of Haro (Rioja Alta). The bodega produces a range from entry-level through iconic Reservas and Gran Reservas using American oak casks, following the classical Rioja model. VFTC #117 covers four bottlings from the 2016–2020 vintages with scores of 92+–94. La Rioja Alta’s Viña Ardanza (70% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha; 3 years in American oak) is one of the most recognizable names in Spanish wine.
Appellations
- Rioja Alta — primary base; also Rioja Baja (for some Garnacha)
Key Wines
- Viña Ardanza Reserva — 70% Tempranillo (Rioja Alta, 30-year-old vines) + 30% Garnacha (Rioja Baja); 3 years in American oak (no new wood); iconic; toasted coconut character with age; 94 points (2019); 2025–2075+
- Viña Arana Gran Reserva — 95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano; 3 years used American oak; 93+ points (2016); 2025–2075
- Viña Alberdi Reserva — higher-altitude vineyards, 40-year-old vines; 100% Tempranillo; 2 years in new oak then 3-year-old barrels; 92+ points (2020); 2033–2075+
Style Notes
The quintessential classical Rioja house — long aging in American oak, never any new wood for the prestige bottlings (Ardanza and Arana), elegant coconut/vanilla oak integration that softens with decades of aging. The Ardanza is the house flagship: consistently one of the finest Rioja Reservas available. The Arana Gran Reserva represents the top of the traditional hierarchy. All wines built for long cellaring: 10–15 years minimum from release.
Gilman Scores (VFTC #117, May-June 2025)
| Wine | Vintage | Score | Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viña Ardanza Reserva | 2019 | 94 | 2025–2075+ |
| Viña Arana Gran Reserva | 2016 | 93+ | 2025–2075 |
| Viña Alberdi Reserva | 2020 | 92+ | 2033–2075+ |
My Tastings
(none yet)
Sources
- VFTC #117 (John Gilman, May-June 2025), pages 47–88 (Spain/Portugal section)