Valenciso Rioja Cemento 2022

Valenciso Rioja Cemento is an organically grown, old-vine Tempranillo fermented and raised entirely in concrete, with no oak at all.

Valenciso works from Ollauri, a village four kilometres from Haro in the far north of Rioja Alta, in part of what has been proposed as a Western Sonsierra zone. The vineyards there sit on chalky, limestone-rich soils at altitudes reaching 600 metres, under a clear Atlantic influence, and that combination is what gives northern Rioja Alta Tempranillo its depth and finesse. From humble beginnings the estate has become a leading name among Rioja's small but growing band of terroir-focused producers, and its signature in the cellar is concrete: once a mainstay in the region before stainless steel and oak displaced it in the 1980s, and now firmly back in favour because it allows a gentler extraction of fruit and colour. Every Valenciso wine spends part of its élevage in concrete, but Cemento, as the name says, is fermented and raised in concrete alone, from old vines on the limestone hillsides of Haro and Ollauri. The fruit is farmed organically.

Ready to open now, though it will hold for a few years. Serve slightly cool at around 16°C with grilled lamb, jamón or a mushroom risotto.

*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.