Ardanza Reserva 2020 La Rioja Alta

Viña Ardanza Reserva 2020, La Rioja Alta's most known red wine, a blend of the Tempranillo and Garnacha grape varieties, produced in DOCa Rioja in the northern part of Spain. And 2020 was not a restful year for the viticulture team. Spring was warm and exceptionally rainy: temperatures in May were 2.7 °C higher than average, and precipitation was 40% higher than average, resulting in a widespread outbreak of downy mildew throughout Rioja. Since the grapes ripened earlier than expected, the harvest began about five days early. During the summer, there were 13 days when temperatures exceeded 35°C. In September, conditions were mainly dry, and by the end of September, the grapes were harvested by hand into crates. Additionally, the harvest in Garnacha took place 20 days later than in Tempranillo. Although the region-wide yield was limited to 90% of Consejo Regulador's potential production, Control Board, after tasting approximately 4,800 samples drawn from the tanks, rated this year as equivalent to Very Good. Julio Sáenz's chief winemaker rated this vintage on par with 2012 and 2016.

The alcohol content is 14.5%, which is lower than expected given this year's heat. Production totaled approximately 500,000 bottles; following the usual extended barrel aging and a period of bottle aging prior to release, the final blend was bottled as November in 2024.

Professional reviews