Tempranillo Wine

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta — Rioja Gran Reserva 2011

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta has been crafting wines in Haro, the historic capital of Rioja Alta, since 1895. Their Gran Reserva is the pinnacle of the house — produced only in the finest vintages, when the fruit and conditions align to create something truly exceptional. The 2011 vintage is one such year: a classic Rioja growing season that delivered concentration, structure, and the natural balance required for long aging. A traditional blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo, it was aged for a minimum of 60 months — at least 18 in oak and the remainder in bottle — before release, in the time-honored Gran Reserva tradition.

Deep ruby with garnet edges, the nose is complex and evolved: dried cherry, leather, cedar, tobacco, and earthy minerality layered with notes of vanilla, dark spice, and a whisper of balsamic. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky with fine, integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, lingering finish of red fruit and warm spice. A wine of sublime delicacy and elegance — exactly as the winemaker intended.

"A classic combination of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo that takes us back to the origins of great Rioja wines. Produced only in the finest vintages, which allow us to bottle exceptional wines. The sublime fusion of delicacy and elegance. Time stands still, enabling us to continue savoring the future." — Martinez Lacuesta Winemaker

• Producer: Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Founded: 1895
• Vintage: 2011
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Varietals: Tempranillo, Graciano & Mazuelo
• Classification: Gran Reserva
• Aging: Minimum 60 months (18+ months oak, remainder in bottle)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried cherry, leather, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, dark spice, balsamic, silky tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, aged Manchego, braised short ribs, wild mushroom dishes, charcuterie, grilled ribeye
• Serve: 62–66°F, decant 45–60 minutes

Produced only in the finest vintages — Martinez Lacuesta Gran Reserva 2011 is a rare opportunity to drink classic Rioja at the peak of its evolution.

About the Winemaker — Sandra Bravo

High up in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa, Sandra Bravo works some of the oldest, highest-altitude vineyards in Rioja. Trained in engineering and enology, with harvests in Bordeaux, Tuscany, New Zealand, California, and seven years in Priorat, she returned to her native Rioja in 2012 with a singular vision: wines that respect the vineyard, prioritize freshness, and express the mineral soul of the mountain.

"I was in love with this area — calcareous soil, small plots, Mediterranean herbs, and always the North wind at high altitude. It was perfect. Because of all this, my wines are really mineral." — Sandra Bravo

Winemaker Notes

Intense color with purple reflections. Aromas of violets and Mediterranean herbs complement delicate notes of chocolate and toast from subtle aging. Elegant on the palate with fresh notes that combine with round, sweet tannins. In perfect balance with natural acidity — a pleasant and long-lasting finish.

Food Pairings

• Tapas & Charcuterie: Jamón Ibérico, chorizo al vino, Manchego
• Roasted Meats: Herb-crusted lamb chops or rosemary roast chicken
• Spanish Classics: Paella Mixta or skirt steak tacos

• Grape Source: 100% Tempranillo
• Appellation: Rioja Alavesa
• Location: Spain
• Viticulture: Organic, Biodynamic
• Winemaker: Sandra Bravo
• Vinification: Steel, anforas, and old wood

Marqués de Vitoria is a distinguished Rioja producer with a long tradition of crafting wines that express the classic character of the D.O.Ca. Rioja appellation. The estate is committed to producing wines of elegance, balance, and longevity, drawing on the region's exceptional terroir and time-honored winemaking techniques to create Tempranillo-based wines of real depth and refinement.

The Rioja Reserva is sourced from select vineyards within the D.O.Ca. Rioja, where Tempranillo thrives in the region's continental climate — warm summers, cold winters, and the moderating influence of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Ebro River. The combination of clay-limestone soils and carefully managed yields produces grapes of concentration and aromatic complexity.

Following harvest, the wine is aged for a minimum of 24 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, developing the spice, vanilla, and toasted notes that are hallmarks of classic Rioja Reserva. The wine then continues to evolve in bottle before release, ensuring harmony and integration at the time of purchase.

The 2018 Reserva shows a clean, bright cherry-red color developing to maroon. On the nose, complex and intense aromas of ripe plums, cherries, creamy vanilla, and hazelnut are interwoven with spice and well-integrated barrel notes. The palate is medium-bodied, round, and fluid — with dusty, refined tannins, bright acidity, and a long, elegant finish of sweet vanilla spice, succulent plums, and red berries. A beautifully balanced and approachable Reserva.

"A juicy Rioja showing some creamy vanilla and hazelnut characters to the savory plums and cherries. Medium body with round, dusty tannins and a long, bright finish showing plenty of sweet vanilla spices, succulent plums and red berries at the end. Fluid and elegant."
— Zekun Shuai, James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2018).

Grape: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja, Spain
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja Reserva
Vintage: 2018
Élevage: Minimum 24 months in French and American oak barrels
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Roast and grilled meats, lamb, mushroom rice, tuna, cod, and medium-aged cheeses such as Emmental or Gruyère.

Winemaker Description

Cherry red color with garnet rims. On the nose it is elegant, clean and expressive, with a complexity typical of a wine made with an excellent quality grape and a very careful production process. In the mouth it is sweet, with good body and great balance, presenting a long and pleasant aftertaste.

The alma mater of the winery, a wine with imprint, plant, and lordship. A completely varietal red, mature, with a growing personality and a lot of elegance.

The soils of the Cepa 21 vineyards are the result of the evolution of millions of years. In them grow our vines that define who we are, learning from the passage of time, a deep love for our land, the care with which we work the fields and the history that precedes us. The Strain is much more than a part of our name, it is the basis of all our machinery, what moves us to be better every day, the greatest asset of our wineries, the origin, and the end. 

Winemaker Description

Rioja is without question the most famous wine region in Spain, but the region is anything but homogeneous. The three sub-regions – Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Oriental and Rioja Alta – differ enormously. This wine comes from the small hamlet of Labastida in the northwest of Rioja Alavesa, the smallest and northernmost sub-region located in the Spanish Basque Country and characterized by calcareous clay and sandy soils. 

The mastermind behind the Dominio del Challao winery is Manu Michelini, whose family makes incredibly fine, terroir-driven wines under the name Michelini i Mufatto at both their winery in Bierzo, in northeastern Spain, and the Argentine winery in Mendoza. The Challao is the winery's top wine. Medium ruby ​​red with violet. There is significantly more intensity in the glass than with the Garnacha, but this wine still reminds me more of Burgundy than Bordeaux on the nose. The winery is clearly on the trail of elegance. Juicy, fresh wild berries, black cherries, rose petals and black Assam tea, that's delicately smoky. 

Then come violets and freshly fired clay. In the mouth, cassis, fresh blackberries and lots of black cherry again. The intense, chalky minerality is phenomenal, building up gradually on the tongue. Delicately bitter, fresh herbs and a touch of After Eight. The tannins are fine and chalky, and as soon as you feel the structure, the next wave of black cherry washes over your tongue. 

This is not at all what you imagine Rioja to be in the classic sense. But this wine is a lot of fun because of its freshness and mineral intensity without being boring. On the contrary, I am convinced that it will develop gracefully in the cellar for years because it is made for a long life. Super chic fabric and without question a Rioja in a class of its own! 

Winemaker Description

This wine comes from plots of bush-trained vines on poor, sandytextured soils in the Rioja Alta area. The vines are an average of morethan 35 years old and smaller yields. They are harvested with great care and transported to the winery in small containers. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainlesssteel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28ºC, with prior bleeding-off and a long maceration of three weeks in contact with theskins. Ageing in French and American oak barrels (90%-10%) over 28 months, followed by subsequent bottle conditioning for at least 4 years until it is leaves the winery.

AWARDS
93 Silver Medal · International Wine Challenge (v. 2011).

90 Puntos · James Suckling (a. 2010).

90 puntos · Guía Repsol (a. 2010).

90 puntos · Wine Spectator (a. 2009).

91 puntos · Wine Enthusiast (a. 2009).

91 puntos · Wine Wine Advocate (a. 2008).

SENSORY EVALUATION

Look: Ruby red with a noticeable rim. Excellent brightness and clarity.

Aroma & palate: On its first contact with oxygen, it appears clean but reticent. Then, sweet notes of oak appear, cinnamon, clove and candied fruits. Infinite nuances that change with the passage of time.

On the palate, it is subtle and pleasant, with great finesse uponentry and through the mid-palate.

The tannins are extremely well polished and it has a serene acidity that maintains a long finish.

SERVING & FOOD PAIRING

White meat, oven-baked fish. Cured meat and dark chocolate desserts. 

93 Silver Medal · International Wine Challenge (v. 2011).

Authentic Ribera del Duero Tempranillo

Quinta Milu Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2024 showcases the pure expression of Spain's celebrated wine region. Crafted from 100% Tempranillo grapes harvested from fifty-year-old vines, this wine captures the essence of traditional Spanish winemaking. Winemaker Germán R. Blanco describes it as "vino de pueblo"—a wine for everyday enjoyment and for everyone—reflecting his commitment to creating approachable yet authentic wines that honor the terroir of Ribera del Duero.

Artisanal Winemaking Process

Every step in creating Quinta Milu reflects dedication to quality and tradition. The grapes are carefully destemmed before aging for a minimum of six months in seasoned French or American oak casks. Staying true to natural winemaking principles, this wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without cold stabilization, preserving its authentic character and allowing the terroir to shine through in every glass.

Germán R. Blanco's operation in the small town of La Aguilera is a "micro winery". He eschews modern winemaking techniques and international varieties working with old Tempranillo vines. He makes "vinos de pueblo", blended wines from different vineyards from villages in the area, as well as vinos de parcela, sourced from single-vineyards, and parcel-specific.

There is no new oak in the winery, Germán uses concrete, amphorae, and old barrels. Quinta Milú is named for Germán's son Lucas whom they lovingly refer to as "Mi Lu" or Milú.

Rich Flavor & Aroma Profile

Experience a wine that delights all the senses. The deep ruby color hints at the complexity within, while the nose reveals an inviting bouquet of dark berries, ripe cherries, and subtle vanilla undertones from oak aging. On the palate, you'll discover layers of dark fruit flavors balanced by smooth tannins and a velvety finish. The interplay of fruit-forward sweetness and gentle spice creates a harmonious drinking experience that lingers pleasantly.

Versatile Wine & Food Pairings

Quinta Milu's balanced profile makes it an exceptional companion to a wide range of dishes. Enjoy it with classic Spanish tapas, grilled chorizo, or paella for an authentic experience. It also pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, aged Manchego cheese, or hearty mushroom risotto. Whether you're planning a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant celebration, this versatile wine enhances any meal.

A Wine for Every Occasion

More than just a bottle of wine, Quinta Milu represents the soul of Ribera del Duero and the Fifth Mile philosophy of making exceptional wine accessible. Its approachable nature welcomes newcomers to Spanish wine while offering the depth and complexity that seasoned enthusiasts appreciate. Share it with friends, pair it with your favorite meal, or simply enjoy a glass as you unwind—Quinta Milu is designed for life's everyday moments and special celebrations alike.