Bodegas Amaren, Tempranillo Reserva, DOCa Rioja, Spain, 2015

Producer Profile

Jon Cañas (Luis Cañas’ grandson) is the imaginative winemaker behind Bodegas Amaren, having been given free rein to explore the character of Alavesa’s vineyards.

Jon aims to create a raw, modern interpretation of Rioja Alavesa by employing native yeasts for his ferments, and experimenting with concrete vessels and lees ageing to achieve expressive wines that are respectful of the ancient grape varieties he works with. The hierarchy of the Amaren range ignores the traditional classification of Rioja wines (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva) and instead puts ‘Rioja Alavesa’ at the forefront of the label, thereby emphasizing the importance of place.

Viticulture

The Amaren brand began in 1995 and was until recently the premium range from Luis Cañas. Following the immense commercial and critical success of these wines, Juan Luis determined it was time to create a winery devoted exclusively to their creation. At Ama- ren, he seeks perfection at every stage of the process; in the vineyard, during selection, and throughout the processing and ageing. And with nearly 50 percent of the vineyards older than 60 years, as well as a rational and environmentally friendly form of viticulture.

Winemaking

Upon entering the bodega, bunches are selected by Luis Cañas himself before being destemmed so the individual berries can be sorted based on their weight. Only the most perfect grapes are allowed to pass to wooden vats of French oak for fermentation. The resulting wine is then racked to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation, during which the lees are pumped over periodically to obtain a well-rounded wine with excellent oak integration. The wine is aged for a total of 18 months in French oak from a selection of oak forests in central France

Tasting Note

Cherry red tones with a bright robe. Fine, elegant and complex on the nose with good concentration of black fruit, subtle touches of creamy oak as well as hints of roasted coffee and minerals. Ample and fresh with elegance, complexity and power. This wine shows black fruit jam and liquorice; firm structure and a delicious and persistent finish

Food Matching

Beautiful with red meats, stews, fish with rich sauce and cured cheese.