2021 Valenciso “Laderas de Cabama” Rioja, Spain

Valenciso was founded in 1998 by ex-Bodegas Palacios' Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso. Located in Rioja Alta's Ollauri, they focus on quality over quantity, using only the best Tempranillo from mature, low-yielding vineyards. Their commitment to terroir-driven wines has made them a respected name in Rioja.  Why do we like it? "Laderas de Cabama" is Valenciso's single-vineyard Tempranillo from 40-year-old vines on clay-limestone soil. Since 2018, it's crafted for a younger, fruit-forward profile with semi-carbonic fermentation and no new oak, resulting in a spicy, rich wine with blackberry and tobacco notes, aged in used French oak. Grape            Tempranillo Country        Spain                                Region          Rioja                           Vintage         2021