# Beronia Rioja Reserva (2020)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Beronia
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, raspberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant, herbaceous, vanilla, cloves, coconut, cedar, smoke, leather, tobacco, forest floor, mushroom

## About this wine

Bodegas Beronia was founded in 1973 by a group of friends from a Basque gastronomic society who wanted to create wines specifically tailored to complement their culinary gatherings. Located in Ollauri, in the heart of Rioja Alta, the estate was acquired by the family-owned González Byass group in 1982. Beronia is highly regarded for its commitment to environmental stewardship, operating a state-of-the-art, gravity-fed winery that is certified under the Wineries for Climate Protection program. The 2020 vintage represents a classic expression of Rioja Alta's clay-limestone soils, sourced from vineyards averaging over 40 years of age.

## Interesting facts

- Beronia was founded in 1973 by a group of gastronomic society friends who wanted to make wines to pair with their own culinary creations.
- The winery pioneered the use of mixed barrels, featuring American oak staves and French oak ends to combine the best of both wood profiles.
- Beronia's gravity-fed winery in Ollauri is certified under the Wineries for Climate Protection program, utilizing geothermal energy.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus acidity and structured tannins cut through rich proteins and fats, while its savory oak notes complement roasted meats and earthy mushrooms.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the 2020 Reserva began with a hand-selected harvest in early October. Following destemming and gentle crushing, the grapes underwent temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The defining technical signature of Beronia is its pioneering use of mixed barrels, featuring American oak staves for sweet vanilla notes and French oak ends for structural complexity. The wine was aged in these custom mixed barrels for at least 18 months, followed by a minimum of 18 months of further refinement in the bottle before release.