Wines Rioja Remírez de Ganuza - Reserva - 2007

Viniou Reviews

Remírez de Ganuza Reserva 2007 is a benchmark Rioja red, crafted at one of the region’s most prestigious estates. This cuvée is predominantly made from Tempranillo, the classic grape of Rioja, often blended with small amounts of Graciano and perhaps a touch of Viura or Malvasía for added freshness. The 2007 vintage benefited from a temperate growing season, contributing to ripe yet structured fruit. This Reserva underwent meticulous vinification, with careful berry selection and ageing for at least two years in top-quality French and American oak barrels, followed by further maturation in bottle before release. The result is a deeply coloured wine displaying a complex bouquet of dark cherry, blackcurrant, vanilla, tobacco leaf, and sweet spices, with subtle tertiary notes emerging from bottle age.

La Rioja sits in northern Spain and is world-renowned for its historic vineyards and the production of age-worthy reds. The region’s climate is influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, offering warm summers and cool nights which are perfect for developing Tempranillo’s hallmark balance of freshness and ripeness. Soils in Rioja vary, but the best sites like those used by Remírez de Ganuza blend limestone, clay, and alluvial stones, contributing minerality and finesse. The region’s viticultural history stretches back thousands of years, but the focus on quality bottlings, particularly of Reserva and Gran Reserva styles, solidified its reputation in the late nineteenth century.

Such a distinguished Rioja pairs beautifully with a range of hearty dishes; think grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary, slow-cooked beef cheeks, or traditional Spanish dishes like roast suckling pig or Riojan chorizo stew. The wine’s depth and evolved tannins also complement mushroom risotto or a plate of aged Manchego cheese and jamón ibérico, highlighting earthy and savoury notes in both the wine and the food.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the Remírez de Ganuza Reserva 2007 an hour prior to serving. Ideal drinking temperature is between 16-18°C, which allows full expression of its nuanced bouquet and polished structure.