
R&G Rolland - Galarreta
A JOINT PROJECT BRINGS TWO CULTURES TOGETHER.
A DECISIVE STEP FOR THE PRESTIGE OF SPAIN'S GREATEST WINES
Two trajectories, two styles and two cultures but a common goal. French winemaker and consultant Michel Rolland and Spanish wine entrepreneur Javier Galarreta have joined forces in a project that highlights the great virtues of Spain and its wines: excellent terroir and solid experience make great quality wines with real potential in the international markets.
As one of the leading winemakers in the world, Michel Rolland has influenced many aspects of both the French and global wine industry. Javier Galarreta, along with a group of wineries, set up Araex in 1993 to market Rioja Alavesa wines. Today, it is one of the leading exporters of quality wine in Spain.
R&G Rolland - Galarreta Vineyard
The grapes used to produce R&G Rioja grow in vineyards located in Rioja Alavesa, widely considered the premium area in the appellation Rioja DOCa. Out of the 540 hectares owned by Bodegas Labastida and a selection of plots in the highlands of Elvillar, we have selected some of the best vineyards and grapes that grow at an altitude between 450 and 700 meters above sea level.
The grapes used to produce Rolland Galarreta Ribera del Duero grow in vineyards located on the highest vineyards in Ribera del Duero, at an altitude of 915 metres. During the summer -a key time for the ripening of the grapes- altitude acts as a buffer for extreme weather conditions. Out of the 83 hectares owned and controlled by Bodegas Valtravieso, we have selected some of the best vineyards and grapes that grow in poor rocky soils with a high limestone content. These factors contribute to higher acidity levels in the grape, which enables the production of more balanced, markedly fruity wines.
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2021 Rossj-Bass displays the main features of the vintage well, with intense fruit concentration and floral notes. The nose shows ripe citrus notes of lemon peel and orange evolving into tropical fruits. The richness of the nose and the same notes are reflected on the palate, where remarkable acidity balances the fruit concentration. The wine is rich, full-bodied and creamy, with a long finish.
Review:
The 2021 Gaja Rossj-Bass starts off with very, crisp, green fruit and much more Sauvignon Blanc dominant aromas of grassy, bright, fragrant green apple and green pepper - all very bright and cheerful. Then Chardonnay seems to take over in the medium-full bodied and pleasing creamy texture of the wine. This is balanced again by the tangy, juicy acidity of Sauvignon. This is very elegant blend of Sauvignon Blanc aromas and zestiness and the textural comfort of Chardonnay. The name Rossj is a nickname of Angelo Gaja’s second daughter, Rossanna.
-Wine Independent 94 Points
When we set out to produce Pinot Noir at Donelan Family Wines, we wanted to make a wine that embraces our favorite aspects of great Pinot from Sonoma County. The journey has taken us to the Two Brothers Pinot Noir where we believe terroir and technique have met at a beautiful crossroads. The composition of the Two Brothers wine is rooted heavily in Bennett Valley and Russian River Valley lending spice and earth to the nose, while the Sonoma Coast fruit gives an aromatic lift to the wine and brings length to the palate.
Named after siblings Tripp and Cushing Donelan, the Two Brothers Pinot Noir has become a fan favorite of our customers. It’s an extremely versatile wine. For one, it’s ready to drink upon release, but will also age beautifully for years if you throw a few bottles in your cellar. Our preferred food pairing with the Two Bros is always a game bird. Turkey, wings, quail, dove, or duck recipes are all super complimentary with this Pinot Noir’s dark fruit, spice, and freshness. We tend to recommend this wine for Thanksgiving every year.
Aromas recall a bouquet of rose petals and gingersnaps. A full, fleshy mouth-feel on the mid-palate with a beautiful fruit composition of plum sauce, cranberries, and fresh flowers.
Review:
Always a super-expressive wine, and in 2023 it truly delivers, showing pure, vibrant red fruit laced with brown baking spices and smoky clove. The palate is beautifully deep and penetrating, carrying impressive flavour intensity through to a long, mineral-driven, medium-bodied finish. Apple-skin tannins and savoury brown spice notes linger effortlessly, giving the wine both grip and persistence. Two Brothers is sourced from prime vineyard sites across Sonoma County, including Mardikian, Devoto, Bucher and Klopp in the Russian River Valley, along with Henry David Vineyard in Bennett Valley. The wine undergoes native fermentation, with 39% new French oak, and is aged for 17 months, incorporating approximately 16% whole clusters. - Jonathan CRISTALDI"
Decanter (January 5th 2026), 95 points