Valenciso Tasting - A Rioja Master Class - Mellecey Wine Group
Date: May 21/15, Thu Time: 14:00:00-17:30:00 Style: Sit-Down
Valenciso Tasting - A Rioja Master Class - The Mellecey Wine Group proudly welcomed Diego Santana from the Valenciso Winery.
FINE WINE OF THE YEAR, UK
Diego was our guide for this Rioja Master Class. Held over two back-to-back sold out tastings.
First, Diego walked us through the region, history, facts and figures of the winery. We explored four samples of their Rioja Reserva from past vintages. This was followed by a exceptional experience of sampling the wines aged in three different types of oak barrels (French, American and Russian). Finally, as a special treat we were able to sample the Valenciso Blanco 2012. In massive demand, this wine comes from 100 year old vines, aged in Russian oak barrels, producing 1200 bottles. (sadly not available in North America, although we were able to convince Diego to get some for us!)
Founded in 1998, Valenciso may be young in years, but founders Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso (who gave their surnames to the bodega) were already long in experience when they began. They had worked together for 28 years by the time they left Bodega Palacio to start their own winery. The Valenciso Reserva, a 100% Tempranillo, is the only red they produce annually from vineyards in Rioja Alta. Fermentation is in concrete tanks, and aging is in French oak. Despite the use of French oak, they are keen to stress that they are not part of the new wave of modern Rioja - they look for fruit but not over extraction. The 2006 Valenciso Reserva received 96 Decanter Points, and was awarded the "Outstanding" classification in the Rioja Decanter Panel. Wine Advocate gave it a 93. The 2007, has been awarded "Fine Wine of the Year" in the UK. Proudly, the 2008 will be launched at The Fine Wine Reserve.
www.valenciso.com/en
