2019 Proelio "Vinedos Viejos" Garnacha Rioja

Professional Reviews

Notes

Proelio is a relatively new project in Rioja with a unique focus. It was established in 2012 and their focus, preserving older, higher elevation vineyards. These vineyards are throughout Rioja. With the greatest concentration in the upper Najerilla valley in Rioja Alta and in the foothills of Rioja Alavesa. Their wines express the freshness and purity of those marginal growing sites. This is an unusual 100% Garnacha Rioja. It is sourced from old vineyard sites around the towns of Cardenas and Baderan, with an average age of 80 years. This is the historic region for growing Garnacha. The cool and long growing season and the iron-rich clay soils present a unique expression of Garnacha and Rioja. The grapes are hand harvested; they are fermented with native yeast in wooden vats with about 30% stem inclusion. The wine is then aged for one year in large (40HL and 30HL) French oak casks. Aromatic, deep and complex. This is a vibrantly flavored and colored wine that beautifully expresses its terroir in a very appealing way. Long and complex with layers of fruit, oak, and spice, this is a delicious, unique expression of Rioja.