Complex and finely structured 100% Tempranillo Rioja, vinified and matured entirely in concrete – classic Valenciso!
Valenciso was established in 1998 as a collaboration between ex Bodegas Palacios’ Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso. With a wealth of experience in Rioja wine production, they decided to focus on just one style of wine – a classically structured, subtle and elegantly fine Reserva.
Situated in the town of Ollauri, just 4 km from Haro, they are at the north-west limit of Rioja Alta – with vineyards in Ollauri, Briones, Haro, Rodezno and Villalba. At altitudes of 400-600m, the climate here has a strong Atlantic influence, and the wind that blows in the summer evenings cools the grapes to enhance acidity, finesse and aromatic complexity.
Currently in transition to fully organic status, Valenciso has been working in an organic, and in some instances biodynamic, manner for quite some time. In partnership with Enonatura, Valenciso has instigated a comprehensive sustainability programme in its vineyards and its winery. They do not use herbicides, pesticides or insecticides.
The Valenciso Cemento Rioja is made with grapes from vineyards which range from 45 to 55 years old. The Tempranillo grapes are hand-harvested from sustainable, organically-cultivated vineyards in October. They are fermented with wild yeasts in temperature-controlled concrete tanks (of which a main component is cement). The wine also undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation – it naturally throws a sediment and is unfiltered. It is then aged in concrete for 2 and a half years.
The Valenciso Cemento Rioja has aromas of dark bramble fruits. The palate is complex with wild blackberry and plum characters, hints of black pepper, elegant and rounded with fine tannins. The finish is long with balanced acidity.
