BODEGAS SANTALBA | Ogga | Rioja | Reserva | 2017
tempranillo
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Today we are going to review a single-varietal tempranillo wine that requires no introduction – Ogga Rioja Reserva 2017 by Bodegas Santalba. Rioja (which is Spain‘s most famous wine region) is known for its fruity-savory and dusty wines that have the ability to age well for many years. Rioja is one of very few European winemaking regions that uses american oak barrels for ageing. The region itself is moderated by the Sierra Cantabria – a small but jagged mountain range that stops clouds from coming into the Rioja valley. The wines of Rioja are based mainly on the tempranillo grape variety, which is the champion grape of the region. Tempranillo is a spanish grape variety that for a long time has been ignored by the outside world as a more rustic grape of strictly local appeal, due to its flavour profile that is mostly savory rather than fruity. Nowadays, tempranillo is recognized as a noble, international grape variety that can make firm, bold and age-worthy wines. The vines has traditionally been trained en vaso, as little low bush vines, although some growers have been training it up on trellis to increase yields, but when the right tempranillo clone is grown on the right spot of land, without excessive yields and with real care, it can produce extremely long-lived wines. This particular wine is made only in those vintages classified as «excellent» by the ConsejoRegulador – the appellation body of La Rioja. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the low-yielding, Gimileo and Haro vineyards, with an average age of 60 years, planted on sandy-rich soils in the heart of La Rioja. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity, the wine has been aged for 20 months in french oak barriques and then bottled unfiltered. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: medium-deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & fruity
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated
The first impression on the nose offers a captivating interplay of ripe and dehydrated fruit character. Notes of red cherries and dark cherries mingling with sun-dried plums and cranberries, supported by a touch of sweetness, reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg and vanilla. In the background, elegant hints of toasted oakwood peek through, interwoven with noble undertones of dried herbs, like thyme and rosemary. This complex bouquet suggests a wine that is both elegant and complex, hinting at a well structured palate.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: crisp & seedy
The wine’s palate mirrors the nose with a burst of ripe and dried fruit flavors, offering a mix of red and black fruits, mixed with notes of baking spice. The wine’s exuberant acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit, creating a vibrant and refreshing mouthfeel, while the ripe and fine-grained tannins provide the required structure without overpowering the palate, while a touch of well-integrated alcoholic warmth adds depth and body. The finish is crisp and slightly seedy, leaving a pleasant lingering sensation.
//Verdict
maturity: almost there | drink now or within the next 3 or 4 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary
All in all, this wine strikes a beautiful balance between power and finesse. The nose is rich and entices with a mix of ripe and dried fruit aromas, that are elegantly complemented by sweet spice notes. The palate follows suit, delivering a burst of vibrant fruit flavors, supported by lively acidity and fine-grained tannins. Despite its round, ample and voluptuous mouthfeel, the wine remains refreshingly balanced. This is a round and voluptuous wine that feels lively and elegant, holding some promises for further development.
//Scoring
BODEGAS SANTALBA | Ogga | Rioja | Reserva | 2017
variety: tempranillo
country: Spain
region: Rioja
rating: 94.5
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This is definitely a great wine of Spain and, with a total of 94.5 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Pairing: Considering the wine’s exuberant acidity, ripe tannins and the pronounced, vibrant fruit character, makes it a perfect pairing partner for richly flavored dishes, that can stand up to the wine’s boldness, such as roasted duck breast, braised lamb shanks or a hearty stew with mushrooms and root vegetables. The sweet spice notes in the wine will complement the savory elements of the dishes, while the bright acidity will cut through the richness of the food, creating a balanced and enjoyable dining experience. Enjoy!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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