Bodegas Benito Urbina is situated in the town of Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron in Rioja Alta. There are 75 hectares in total – 65 of Tempranillo and 10 of Graziano, Mazuelo and Viura – and the estate has been in the family hands for 4 generations. In 1975 the family decided to age and bottle their own wines and to this end major investment in the cellar and vineyards has taken place alongside a more organic approach to its viticulture.
Urbina Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja is a new release from Urbina. Urbina Gran Reserva is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with some Graciano and Mazuelo. This wine comes from the best grapes from the Estate, all from vines over 40 years old. The wine making team is headed by Pedro Urbina. The wine is undergoes fermentation at 28C followed by a period of maceration of 28 days. The wine is aged for a minimum of 36 months in oak casks with a further 48 months in bottle before release. Only indigenous yeasts are used.
The nose is elegant yet complex with mature, red fruit nuances, hints of tobacco, vanilla and oak. A good balance of oak and fruit. The palate has intense rich fruit with great finesse and a silky and creamy texture. Well balanced oak and fruit tannins and velvet smoothness and great length. Medium to full in style.