Viña Valoria Gran Reserva 1973

It’s a special wine that at 44 years old is still drinking superbly. Awarded 92 Parker points in 2012, “this little gem is certainly worth seeking out” (Wine Advocate). It’s from an old winery dating back to 1880 just outside Logroño. Established by the Pérez Foncea family, Bodegas Valoria enjoys an almost mythical status. This 1973 uses grapes from the Rioja Alta, the higher altitude slopes of which have lent it the acidity to age so well. The fruit was fermented in whole bunches for a softer, fruit driven style, while the wine was aged in large oak barrels for several years. Since then it has rested in bottle in perfect conditions in the cellar. Stand the bottle upright for 24 hours prior to decanting and leaving the sediment in bottle.