Rioja Alavesa lies to the south of Basque country, not too far from the famous running of bulls at Pamplona and an easy drive from Bay of Biscay. Bodegas Solar Viejo are at the heart of Denominacio d'Origen Qualificada Rioja, very near the place where Celtic Iberians settled over three millenia ago. The area is full of history and folklore, gastronomy and good wine. The team at Bodegas Solar Viejo have maintained a strong relationship with local wine growers for generations, reserving the pick of crop for Crianza Temparanillo.
The Tempranillo of Rioja Alavesa are enjoyed throughout the world. The quality of Rioja Alavesa Tempranillo is due for the most part to a fortuitous confluence of terroir and clime, clay calcareous soils, a highly favourable semi dry growing season and protection from north winds by the Sierra de Cantabria. Bodegas Solar Viejo was established 1937 within the medieval town of Laguardia. Tempranillo wines share a long history with the ancient hamlet and almost all the town's buildings have their own underground wine cellars. It is here that old world winemaking traditions meet state of the art oenology, translating into a perfectly integrated Tempranillo wine, after a term of ageing in a selection of seasoned oak barrels.
Deep garnet red. An engaging nose of complex red fruit aromas, tomato and five spice before notes of vanilla and caramel oak. A soft palate showing Tempranillo liquorice characters, followed by fine fruit flavours and light balsamic notes. The tannins are balanced and fine, supported by ripe dark berry acidity, the finish is elegantly oaked. To accompany hard cheese, casserole or barbecued meats.