Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva 2017

Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva is a superbly crafted red wine from the renowned Rioja region of Spain. This Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, with small amounts of Graciano and Mazuelo, sourced from the estate's oldest vineyards. Aged for 18 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, this wine boasts a deep ruby colour and complex aromas of ripe black fruits, vanilla, tobacco, and subtle earthy notes.

 On the palate, it offers a balanced combination of velvety tannins, bright acidity, and rich dark fruit flavours, with hints of spice and a smooth, lingering finish. This Reserva exemplifies the elegance and ageability of Rioja, delivering a wine that is both approachable now and will continue to evolve beautifully over time.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.

Type: Red Wine
Style: Full-bodied, Elegant, Complex
Grape Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
Tastes Like: Comparable to a classic Rioja Reserva, with ripe black fruits like blackberries and plums, vanilla, tobacco, and subtle earthy spices, finished with smooth, velvety tannins.
Alcohol Percentage: ~14% (approx.)
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Rioja DO (Denomination of Origin)
Region: Rioja, Spain
Terroir: Old vineyards with a mix of clay, limestone, and alluvial soils that impart complexity and balance to the wine.

Bodegas Valdemar is a family-owned winery with a history dating back to 1889 in the Rioja region. The winery is known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. The Valdemar family’s dedication to producing wines that express the unique terroir of Rioja is evident in their estate-grown vineyards and traditional winemaking techniques. Their Reserva wines, like the Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva 2017, showcase the depth, complexity, and ageability that Rioja is famous for. With a focus on producing wines of exceptional quality, Bodegas Valdemar has earned a reputation as one of Rioja's premier estates.

Red Meat: Grilled steak, roast lamb, or a beef tenderloin that complements the wine's dark fruit and spice flavours.
Poultry: Herb-roasted duck or roasted chicken with rosemary and garlic that pairs well with the wine's complexity and smooth tannins.
Vegetarian: A rich mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables that enhance the wine’s earthy and savoury notes.
Cheese: Aged Manchego, Gruyère, or a semi-cured Chorizo that match the wine’s rich and balanced profile.

Manchego: Aged and nutty, it pairs perfectly with the wine’s dark fruit and spice flavours.
Gruyère: Aged and nutty, providing a nice complement to the wine’s complexity.
Chorizo: Semi-cured, spicy, and rich, enhancing the wine’s depth and earthy undertones.
Brie: Soft and creamy, balancing the wine’s structure and rich fruit character.

Cordero a la Riojana (Riojan-Style Roast Lamb)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg leg of lamb
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Rub the lamb with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and pour the red wine and vegetable broth around it.
3. Roast for about 1.5 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the lamb is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
4. Once the lamb is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
5. Serve this tender roast lamb with a glass of Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva for a perfect pairing.