Producer Profile

On the border between Rioja and Navarra, Victor Manzanos carries on the work of the four generations before him. Adding in significant amounts of ambition and energy, he is at the forefront of the new Rioja – championing a modern interpretation of its varieties through his wines. As a grower, Victor is keen to prove that Rioja Baja has its own distinct character and should not be judged as inferior to Rioja Alta or Alavesa – just different. With over 250ha of owned vineyards at his disposal, including what he claims to be the oldest Graciano vines in the world, Victor and the team at Manzanos are fortunately placed to put both the sub-region and the name Manzanos firmly on the map of the most important producers in Rioja.

Viticulture

The vines in La Muga and Los Poyatos vineyards are mostly very old vines of Tempranillo.

Winemaking

Really healthy grapes were harvested and after slow fermentation in tank at controlled temperatures the wine was transferred to barrel. A mixture of a very few of new American oak barrels, just to give the spice and toast aromas but mostly 2nd and 3rd year barrels of predominantly French oak were used to promote the evolution of the wine from a bright fruit bomb to something more mellow with a roundness and the unmistakeable stamp of something good.

Oak Treatment

Time: 6 Months; Type: French and American mostly 2nd and 3rd year barrels.; % oaked: 100; % new oak: 10;

Tasting Note

Intense cherry red colour, ripe black and red fruits, spices, liquorice and chocolate aroma. Round and well-balanced with fruit notes.

Food Matching

This is a fairly simple fruit driven wine, so simple pasta and meat dishes like bolognaise are ideal.