Valenciso Tasting - A Rioja Master Class - Mellecey Wine Group
Date: Mar 07/14, Fri Time: 03:00:00-09:00:00 Style: Sit-Down
Valenciso Tasting - A Rioja Master Class The Mellecey Group proudly welcomed Spanish winemaker Luis Valentin from the Valenciso Winery.
This was a Rioja Master Class tasting, and Luis was our guide.
First, Luis walked us through the regions, history, facts and figures of Rioja. Then he poured a few samples of Rioja (from other wineries) so we could compare the various different styles of Rioja. This was followed by a vertical tasting of his Valenciso Reserva (2007, 2006 and 2004). Finally, as a special treat 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 only 5,300 bottles (and sadly not available in North America).
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.
Two separate sit down tutored tastings were held, and that followed by an informal drop in session - allowing 80+ guests to enjoy Valenciso's wines that day.
www.valenciso.com/en
