What a top-notch wine this Inspiracion Valdemar Rioja is! This special series is a step up from the regular Rioja, thanks in part to its twelve months of aging in oak barrels, making it a complete glass of wine. This Inspiracion uses two classic Rioja grapes: 90 percent Tempranillo and 10 percent Graciano. The Graciano grapes add a touch of freshness and body to the wine.
The beginning of the Valdemar winery
Bodega Valdemar, founded in 1889, is still owned by the Bujanda family and run by Jesus Martínez Bujanda and his son Carlos and daughter Ana. For the past three years, Bodega Valdemar has received the "Critics Choice Award" from Wine Spectator, one of the most prestigious awards given by specialized journalists. Furthermore, the winery's most influential wine critic, Robert Parker, rated it "excellent." That's saying something.
The grapes are harvested from two of Bodega Valdemar's own vineyards. They are harvested late, in the second week of October, to wait for the tannins to reach their full ripeness. After harvest, a rigorous selection process follows. After fermentation, the wine is aged for twelve months in a combination of French and American oak, with French oak accounting for three-quarters and American oak for one-quarter. This gives the wine a wonderfully soft and refined character.
Perfect ripe tannins for Inspiracion Valdemar Seleccion
And that makes this Inspiracion Seleccion one of the finest wines from Rioja. The aroma boasts all the beautiful notes of a good Rioja, abundant herbs and ripe black fruit complemented by a lovely spiciness, raisins, and balsamic vinegar. Not to forget the distinct vanilla and cedarwood, which are clearly discernible. This inspiring aroma continues on the palate, making this Inspiracion Valdemar Seleccion exceptionally well-balanced. The palate is refined with lovely ripe tannins and abundant black fruit notes of blackberry and cherry.
2021
