We recently launched the 2001 vintage of Conde de los Andes, which has been resting for a decade and a half in the quiet tranquility of our impressive Ollauri cellars (locally known as calaos).
This vintage talks about a timeless classic, a symbol of Rioja Alta's historic winemaking practices and an example of Tempranillo's fresh character and the refinement of its old vines.
Our so far brief experience with it takes us to rediscover the perfect wine to pair both with roasted meat "baby lamb, beef T-bone steak, pork sirloin" and with classic complex recipes which require a degree of preparation: venison or wild board stew, hare in royale sauce, coq au vin, rabbit in chocolate sauce, woodcock with truffle. It is a great match for stews and braised dishes with a long-standing culinary tradition such as fricassee, goulash, ragout, etc. And with intense, black chocolate desserts this wine is an exquisite pleasure.
In terms of tasting, we have compiled some recent comments from consumers and clients.
Superb Rioja from one of the region's most historic bodegas. Tempranillo from vines at least 40 years old, skillful winemaking and a year's ageing in new French oak all add up to an impressive wine with magnificent richness, depth and length.
Laithwaites (United Kingdom)
Bright ruby colour with garnet tones. It doesn't look its age. Deliciously olivey on the nose, with the elegance of fine leatherwork, herbal freshness and starred aniseed nuances. Highly refined on the palate, elegant and well-defined. Vivid acidity and vibrant, sinewy tannins.
Participant - Verema Forum (Spain)
Colour: brownish with garnet rim. Glyceric legs. Clean.
Aroma: good intensity on the nose. Spirity, with toffee, sultanas, figs and fine leather notes. After swirling, smoky and spicy notes appear, followed by liquorice, fallen leaves and tobacco aromas.
Taste: straight and direct on the palate, unctuous, juicy, with good acidity, enveloping, persistent, balanced, fruity, elegant and with present tannins. A great wine!
Participant - Verema Forum (Spain)
This liquid ruby displays complex enveloping aromas "ripe black fruit, spices, tobacco, forest floor" which capture your nose. Structured and smooth on the palate, the wine is long and deep. A real pleasure.
Hedonista Blog (Spain)
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