Bodegas Roda, one of Rioja Alta's most renowned producers, has just launched the latest vintage of its flagship wine, the Cirsion 2010.
Roda, which was founded by Carmen Daurella and Mario Rotllant in 1987, is a relative newcomer to Rioja. Its Roda and Roda I Reservas are celebrated – the Roda 2006 won a coveted International Trophy at the 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Cirsion, described by Roda as ‘an iconic modern wine’, is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards mostly in Rioja Alta.
‘It is a revolutionary concept,’ managing director and winemaker Agustín Santolaya said at a London masterclass to launch the wine yesterday. ‘We choose the plants with the softest tannins. This makes the wine very attractive early on, but it still has great ageing potential.’
Cirsion is 100% Tempranillo, is aged for eight months in new French oak, and released after four months’ bottle ageing. 7000 bottles of the 2010 were made.
2010 was rated ‘Excellent’ by the Consejo Regulador of Rioja. The weather was ideal, with 440mm of rainfall, slightly lower temperatures than 2009, a hot and dry July and August and light showers just before harvest.
The wine is on sale at a £160 per bottle.
Written by Adam Lechmere
