This new addition to the Palacios Rioja Oriental stable comes from a small 1.5 hectare plot of 90-year-old, south-east facing vines at 600m on the Monte Yerga. The soils here are similar to those of Quiñón de Valmira, just deeper and without Valmira’s identifying calcareous layer near the top.
The nose of Valdelareina (meaning ‘Valley of the Queen’) absolutely sings of sweet Garnacha, which makes up 90% of the blend (the remaining 10% being a field blend of other red grapes). It is so pure, brimming with aromas of ripe, juicy strawberries.
The palate is oh-so-lovely, gentle yet with a wonderful tension framing refreshing flavours of more, beautiful, sweet, fragrant strawberries, enhanced by a cherry blossom bouquet. It is so pretty! The tannins are impeccably precise, gliding across the palate and leaving just a fine dusting on the long, savoury-edged finish. Valdelareina is a charming, gorgeous wine with a strawberry-savoury intensity yet with that fabulous purity that only a few can achieve with this variety. Drink 2025 to 2040, depending on how you like your Garnacha.
Catriona Felstead MW
