Description
Bodegas Ontañón is a 5th generation, family-owned winery in Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja), where Raquel and Rubén Ontañón continue a proud family tradition of crafting wines with elegance, balance, and a true sense of place. Their Reserva is not made every year — only in exceptional vintages from select estate vineyards — making each release a genuine statement of quality.
Why You’ll Love It
This is Rioja Reserva drinking beautifully right now — supple, full-flavoured, and showing all the finesse that comes from eight years of careful maturation. Ontañón’s philosophy of producing the Reserva only in exceptional years means you are getting a wine that has earned its label, not simply one that has served its minimum ageing time. The combination of American and French oak, followed by two years of bottle ageing before release, delivers a wine of real complexity and harmony at a price that significantly undercuts its quality level.
Vineyard & Production
Tempranillo is sourced from the La Pasada vineyard and Graciano from La Montesa — two select estate parcels chosen for their quality and character. After a long maceration to extract depth and structure, the wine is aged for 12 months in a combination of 60% American and 40% French oak (both used and new), before spending a further 24 months in bottle prior to release. The result is a Reserva of genuine maturity and refinement.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of bramble fruit, warm spice, and delicate floral hints open on the nose. The palate reveals ripe plum and blackberry, complemented by bright acidity, subtle minerality, and earthy undertones. Silky tannins carry through to a smooth, elegant finish — the hallmark of a Reserva that has been given the time it deserves.
Perfect Pairings
A classic match for roast lamb, slow-cooked shoulder of pork, beef stew, mushroom risotto, Iberian charcuterie, aged Manchego, or a hearty lentil and chorizo dish. The wine’s structure and maturity make it equally at home with rich, slow-cooked dishes and more delicate preparations.
The Details
Tempranillo 95%, Graciano 5%
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