Bodegas Luis Cañas, Selección de la Familia Rioja Reserva, DOCa Rioja, Spain, 2017

Producer Profile

In 1970 Luis Cañas changed two hundred years of tradition and became the first winemaker in Rioja Alavesa to bottle his young wine rather than sell it as bulk. This bold move, and his continued pioneering spirit, has cemented the winery's enviable reputation as one of the most progressive in the region. Sheltered below the watchful Sierra Cantabria, the vineyards are all old, small plots on chalky-clay soils with a dedicated team of vineyard workers carrying out organic practices and a purpose built, fully equipped accommodation block was built for the entire vineyard team in 2006. His son, Juan Luis Cañas is now the powerhouse behind this highly accomplished winery, but everywhere you go there is a feeling of family, and especially of the lasting legacy that Luis Cañas will leave for both his son and the Alavesa.

Viticulture

With 350 hectares of outstanding vineyards, split across 870 different plots, the viticultural department control every aspect. Each of the plots has its own personality and is categorised and used for different wines according to its characteristics. Vines are situated on slopes and terraces of limestone and clay soil, well exposed to the sun, and are at least 45 years old.

Winemaking

Upon entering the bodega, the grapes were cold macerated for 72 hours on arrival at the winery. Fermentation at 26º C in sealed cement tanks under constant thermal control, with the must pumped over daily. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation took place after 45 days after its primary fermentation, in barrels and is aged for 18 to 24 months in French and American Oak.

Oak Ageing

18 Months

Tasting Note

A beautiful ruby colour. A clean nose with good intensity. Complex aromas of leather, ripe sweet fruit and herbs over a base of fine oak. Palate: Potent and juicy with structure and good tenacity. The finish shows lots of spice and is ample, complex, long and persistent.

Food Matching

Best served with pasta dishes, roasted lamb and beef, stews and poultry.