José Luis Ripa Sáenz de Navarrete - Rioja 'RIPA' Vino Rosado 2016

José Luis Ripa Sáenz de Navarrete has seen the ins and outs of Rioja and knows its wine making history like no one else, having worked for many years with some of the most reputable houses in the region (full disclosure, he is married to Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia).

After seeing the many facets of the business he decided to create a label and make his own wine, a classic Spanish Aged Rosado from vineyards grown on one hectare in the Najerilla Valley, in Rioja Alta, which gets released with a little bit of bottle age.

85% Garnacha 15% Tempranillo fromo 30+ year old, bush-pruned vineyards located in the Najerilla Valley, in the Rioja Alta. Calcareous clay soils with a slightly higher iron percentage than in the rest of the district. The grapes were destemmed and taken to a stainless steel vat, where must was bled (saignée) for about 24 hours and racked.

Fermentation and further aging in 500 liter used French oak barrels during 18 months.

Pale salmon pink color with an orange hue. Aromas of cherry with nuances or red berries, dry flowers and Mediterranean herbs. Fine and elegant tannins, vibrant acidity, moderate alcohol and long finish, with notes of cassis in the aftertaste (José Luis Ripa, August 2020).

This is the new Tondonia rosé for a fraction of the price and delivers the goods. This wine is a no brainer and a must try for any fan of Tondonia Rosé. Don't sleep on this one.

Producer: José Luis Ripa Sáenz de Navarrete

Country: Spain

Region: La Rioja

Varietal: Tempranillo, Grenache

Appellation: Rioja

Vintage: 2016

Size: 750ml