BARRONTE Rio Salado Red Wine 2021
Bodega FINCA BARRONTE represented by EpicureVin

BARRONTE Rio Salado Red Wine 2021

"This is a new edition to Jose Basoco's (Finca Barronte's) portfolio - truly unique signature wine"

SUMMARY: Rio Salado represents a captivating new chapter in Jose Basoco's Finca Barronte story - a signature wine that speaks of heritage and ambition. This exceptional blend of Tempranillo (90%) and Graciano (10%) emerges from a single plot of treasured vines planted in 1945, where over 75 years of growing wisdom translates into remarkable concentration and complexity.
The marriage of old-vine fruit with new, single-use barrels creates a wine of striking depth and refinement - a testament to both tradition and innovation. More than just a new addition to the portfolio, Rio Salado stands as a bold statement of what's possible when historic vineyards meet precise, thoughtful winemaking. A wine that honors its past while confidently stepping into the future.

249,00 DKK

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

YEAR: 2021

ALCOHOL: 14.5%.

GRAPE VARIETY: Tempranillo 90% and Graciano 10%.

CLASSIFICATION: Signature Wine.

CORK: Natural cork 45mm.

AGE OF THE VINEYARD: Over 80 years of age.

SOIL: Calcareous clay.

ELABORATION: This signature wine represents a remarkable union of heritage and precision. Sourced exclusively from a single plot planted in 1945, where Tempranillo (90%) and Graciano (10%) vines have thrived in calcareous clay soils for over 75 years.
The winemaking process respects this noble origin: after careful destemming, the grapes undergo fermentation at controlled low temperatures to preserve their delicate characteristics. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new, single-use barrels, where the wine continues to mature for a minimum of 12 months. This dedicated use of new oak ensures pure expression of the old vines' character while adding subtle complexity.
This thoughtful approach to both viticulture and vinification creates a wine that truly reflects its distinguished lineage.

TASTING NOTES

VISUAL PHASE: An impressive deep cherry red fills the glass, exhibiting remarkable concentration and intensity. The wine presents exceptional depth of color with a notably high extraction, while maintaining beautiful brightness that catches the light.

OLFACTORY PHASE: The nose reveals a sophisticated aromatic profile characteristic of old-vine Tempranillo-Graciano blend. Deep dark fruit aromas take the lead, with black cherries and ripe blackberries prominent. The Graciano contribution adds complexity with subtle spice notes and hints of black pepper. Extended barrel aging introduces refined oak nuances, adding layers of vanilla, subtle toast, and delicate balsamic notes. The wine's bouquet speaks clearly of its distinguished origin from 1945 vines, showing remarkable depth and complexity.

TASTE PHASE: On the palate, this old-vine blend displays impressive depth and structure, where the concentration from 1945 vines is immediately apparent. The Tempranillo provides a rich, velvety foundation, while the Graciano adds backbone and freshness. Complex layers unfold revealing ripe fruit characteristics balanced by elegant oak integration. The tannins are refined yet present, supporting a wine of notable persistence and length. A harmonious combination of power and finesse that reflects both its noble origins and careful maturation in new oak.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 16°C and 18°C.

GASTRONOMY: This distinguished old-vine blend demands equally noble cuisine companions. Its structure and complexity make it an excellent match for premium cuts of meat, particularly slow-roasted lamb, aged beef, and game dishes. The wine's refined character pairs beautifully with sophisticated preparations like beef tenderloin with truffle sauce or traditional Spanish specialties such as lechazo and cochinillo asado.
The depth from 1945 vines allows it to complement rich, slow-cooked dishes - from wild boar stews to braised oxtail. Its elegant profile also makes it a perfect partner for carefully curated charcuterie boards featuring jamón ibérico and aged cheeses. The wine's balance of power and finesse suits both traditional and modern fine dining experiences.
Serve at 16-18°C to fully appreciate its complexity and allow the aromas to develop in the glass.

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How to Taste and Truly Understand Wine?

Tasting wine is an art that involves all your senses, offering a journey of discovery. Here are four key steps to guide you:

  • The Visual Experience (Visual Phase) - Color, Clarity, Cleaneness of wine, "Wine Legs"...
  • The Aroma (Olfactory Phase) - Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep breath...
  • The Taste (Palate Phase) - Take a sip and let the wine flow across your palate...
  • The Grape Variety: The Soul of the Wine - Grape varieties are regarded among the most crucial elements in differentiating wines...

At EpicureVin, we believe tasting wine should be as enjoyable as discovering its story. Each bottle we offer invites you to embark on a sensory journey, uncovering hidden gems that make every sip memorable.

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The Visual Experience (Visual Phase)

Begin by examining the wine in your glass. Observe its color - is it pale straw, golden, ruby, or deep purple? Notice its clarity - a clear, bright wine often signals quality. Swirl the glass gently, watching its transparency and how it catches the light. Each of these visual cues can hint at the wine’s age, grape variety, or even its origin!

Pay attention to the wine legs - the streaks that form on the inside of the glass after swirling. While they don’t indicate quality, they can reveal the wine’s alcohol and sugar content. Watching how the legs form and flow offers clues about the wine's richness and body, enhancing your appreciation before the first sip.

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The Aroma (Olfactory Phase)

Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep breath. Start broad - what families of aromas can you identify?
For white wines: Do you notice citrus, tropical, or orchard fruits?
For red wines: Are the aromas leaning towards red fruits, blue fruits, or darker black fruits?
Avoid overanalyzing at first; let the scents unfold naturally. As you grow familiar, you’ll start recognizing subtler notes like spices, herbs, or even earthy tones that reveal the wine's character.

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The Taste (Palate Phase)

Take a sip and let the wine flow across your palate. Notice how it interacts with different parts of your mouth:

  • Is it vibrant and zesty, or rich and smooth?
  • Does it feel balanced, with flavors lingering elegantly after you swallow?

A great wine tells its story through texture, structure, and harmony - this is what elevates the experience.

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The Grape Variety: The Soul of the Wine

Every wine begins with a grape, and its variety is the key to understanding its personality. In Rioja, Spain, a region renowned for its winemaking tradition, there are five red grape varieties and nine white grape varieties that form the foundation of its exceptional wines.

The red grapes include Tempranillo, the backbone of Rioja reds, known for its balance and elegance; Garnacha Tinta, offering bold fruitiness; Graciano, prized for its intensity and structure; Mazuelo (also known as Carignan), adding vibrant acidity; and Maturana Tinta, a lesser-known variety with a unique earthy character.

For white wines, Rioja showcases Viura (or Macabeo), celebrated for its fresh and floral notes; Malvasía, with its aromatic richness; Garnacha Blanca, offering citrus and herbal nuances; Tempranillo Blanco, a rare mutation of the red Tempranillo; Maturana Blanca, one of the region's oldest varieties; Turruntés, not to be confused with the Argentine grape; Chardonnay, bringing international appeal; Sauvignon Blanc, adding crispness; and Verdejo, contributing vibrant flavors and minerality.

EpicureVin is here to help you the exploration of these grape varieties, where you will be able to unlock the secrets behind Rioja's rich diversity of flavors and textures, discovering wines that capture the soul of this historic region.

A Legacy of Passion and Dreams

Passion for Family

Since 1583, our family’s dedication has been the heart of our winemaking, passed down through generations.

Passion for the Earth

Nurtured by the clay-limestone soils that have supported our growth, we honor the land that gives us its best year after year.

Passion for Wine

Every bottle we create holds three essential elements: the warmth of the sun, the richness of the earth, and the craftsmanship of the winemaker.

Passion for the Origins

Proud to be one of Spain’s most celebrated wineries in the Art and Culture category, we remain deeply rooted in our heritage.

Passion for Dreams

Life is made of simple joys, and wine is one of them. Let’s embark on this extraordinary journey together, with EpicureVin and Familia Valdelana, where every sip tells a story.

FAMILIA VALDELANA

Savor Tradition and Innovation in Every Sip

At Bodegas LECEA, we take pride in crafting wines that embody the essence of our heritage and the innovation of modern winemaking. From our own meticulously tended vineyards, we select the oldest vines to create our most exceptional wines.

What sets us apart is the seamless blend of tradition and technology. Our wines benefit from advanced techniques like controlled-temperature fermentation and automated pumping over, while staying true to time-honored practices. Deep within our 16th-century underground cellars, we preserve and age our wines with the utmost care.

A true highlight is our "Corazón de Lago," a carbonic maceration wine born from history itself. Produced using an ancient stone press and lovingly trodden by foot, it captures the spirit of artisanal winemaking.

Now, thanks to EpicureVin and Bodegas LECEA, you can experience these extraordinary wines in the comfort of your home. Raise a glass and celebrate the passion, tradition, and innovation poured into every bottle.

BODEGAS LECEA

A Vision Rooted in Sustainability and Excellence

At Bodegas FINCA BARRONTE, our unwavering commitment to excellence drives everything we do. Since 2020, we have embraced organic farming, producing wines free from residue while enhancing the resilience of our vineyards and refining the tasting notes of our creations.

Nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, between Villabuena de Álava and Samaniego, our estate spans nine hectares of clay-limestone soils, home to Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura, and Malvasia vines. This unique terroir, coupled with our dedication to low-yield farming and ecological responsibility, allows us to craft wines of unparalleled character and quality.

From our modern yet tradition-honoring winery, with its innovative three-level design, to our commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices, we strive to safeguard the future of our land. With eight distinct wines, each offering its own story, we invite you to join Bodegas FINCA BARRONTE and EpicureVin in celebrating a shared passion for sustainability, heritage, and exceptional wine.

FINCA BARRONTE