La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2017
£45.95 incl. VAT
6 in stock
🍷 Tasting Profile: The wine typically shows a complex, layered nose with aromas of balsamic red and black fruits (like cherry, blackcurrant and raspberry) intertwined with spice, vanilla, toasted oak, cinnamon, brioche and subtle earthy or mineral notes from its long barrel ageing. On the palate critics and sellers describe it as medium-full bodied, balanced and fresh, with silky, fine-grained tannins, lively acidity and a long, persistent finish that combines fruit, spice and oak harmoniously.
📊 Critics’ Views: The 2017 vintage has been well-received by critics, with most scores in the 93–96/100 range. James Suckling (96) highlights a deep, savoury nose with energy and a long finish, while Jeb Dunnuck (94) praises its classic structure, integrated acidity and gravelly mineral profile. Vinous (94) notes its sun-kissed red fruit, balsamic wood and fine texture, and Wine Advocate (93) calls it harmonious and elegant, a strong performance given the challenging vintage.
📅 Ageing Potential: Critics generally agree the wine will continue to evolve positively with further cellaring. Many suggest peak drinking from the mid-2020s into the 2030s or beyond, with structure and freshness that should support longer-term development.
The **La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2017** comes from a challenging but ultimately successful vintage in **Rioja**. The 2017 growing season was marked by severe spring frosts in late April, which significantly reduced yields across the region. This was followed by a hot, dry summer that accelerated ripening, leading to one of the earliest harvests on record. Despite the difficulties, careful vineyard management helped preserve fruit quality.
The reduced crop levels resulted in grapes with good concentration and structure. While the warm conditions encouraged ripeness, the vines maintained notable acidity, partly due to the shortened growing cycle and balanced vineyard sites. Harvest decisions were crucial in 2017, with producers focusing on precise picking times and rigorous grape selection to ensure quality.
As a result, the 2017 Viña Arana Gran Reserva reflects both the challenges and strengths of the vintage: concentrated fruit, vibrant freshness, and firm yet refined tannins. The wine combines ripeness with structure, offering balance and aging potential in a classic Rioja style shaped by a warm, low-yield year.
