# Gran Reserva 904 Selección Especial (2015)

- **Producer:** La Rioja Alta
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Graciano
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €85
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 17–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** dried herbs, raspberry, black plum, black cherry, butter, cedar, coffee, cloves, vanilla, tobacco, dried fruit, leather, raisin, earth, prune

## About this wine

The La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2015 is a red wine from the Rioja DOCa region of Spain, a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Produced by Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A., a winery established in 1890, this wine is noted for being an archetype of traditional Rioja. The 2015 vintage is particularly significant as it is the first to be designated 'Selección Especial' by the producer, indicating high expectations for its quality and aging potential. The grapes are sourced from old vines, some at least 60 years old, located in specific vineyards within the Rioja Alta sub-region. This vintage also marks the introduction of optical berry sorting by the producer as a quality control measure.

## Interesting facts

- First vintage labeled 'Selección Especial' by the producer.
- Grapes sourced from vines at least 60 years old.
- Optical berry sorting used for the first time in this vintage.
- Aged for four years in used American oak barrels.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and fine tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game, while its lively acidity can cut through fattier dishes. The oak aging can harmonize with roasted flavors and herbs.

## Wine making process

The production of La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2015 begins with hand-harvested grapes from select vineyards. For the first time in this vintage, optical berry sorting was utilized to ensure only the highest quality berries proceeded to fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks over 21 days, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged for four years in used American oak barrels, coopered in-house. Racking was performed every six months to clarify the wine. Bottling took place in February 2020.