Vivanco Rioja Reserva – A Work of Art

The Vivanco Rioja Reserva, a beauty inside and outside the bottle.

90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from Rioja, Spain. The wine is aged for 24 months in 50% new and 50% previously-used French oak, followed by 4 months in large French oak vats for better integration of flavors. It is also cellared for 24 months in bottle before release.

Sample submitted for review. The Vivanco Rioja Reserva has an SRP of $25. Imported by Opici Wines.

From the bottle:

This red wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, resulting from a careful selection of estate-owned vineyard. The wine was then aged for 24 months in French and American oak barrels.

Cover artwork is Naturaleza Muerta (Still Life, 1922) by Juan Gris and is on display at the Vivanco Museum of the Culture of Wine.

14% Alcohol

The 2010 Vivanco Rioja Reserva begins with an enticing aroma of black cherry, lots of baking spice, vanilla caramel and more. This is definitely the type of wine you will want to stick your nose into! That black cherry and baking spice continues when tasting this nicely balanced wine. There’s also plenty of vanilla notes, juicy acidity and a smooth, lush texture. It ends dry with coffee, tea and plum notes on the long finish. It’s a beautifully delicious combination of flavors that matches the beautiful artwork on the outside of the bottle!

Looking for more great wine from Rioja under $20? Find all of our recommendations, plus more info on the region and the requirements for wines to carry the Reserva label, on our new category page for wines from Rioja.