Razon Table Wine 2011

Razon Table Wine is made from 70% Tempranillo and 30% Garnacha.
Made from old vines Garnacha grapes (70+ years old), grown just outside the official Rioja denomination. The extra-ripe grapes were left on the vines after the main harvest, and then harvested by hand after they were partially dehydrated. The carefully selected grapes were then fermented on the skins for about three/four weeks, after which time they were racked into a mix of American and French oak for 6 months ageing before being bottled.
Great wine and a superb value.

Razon is a balanced wine that shows a bright ruby red in the glass and is dominated by fruity, but also strong, reminiscent of wood, earth and leather flavors. This harmony between fruity freshness and meaty body continues on the palate.

The Valsacro Estate
The Escudero family has been making wine and growing grapes for generations in the rugged, semi-desert foothills around Grávalos in the southwestern corner of the Rioja Baja region. Over the last 15 years or so, the Escudero brothers led by Bordeaux-trained winemaker Amador have transformed the small family "bodega" into a major Rioja wine producer. The changes have come gradually and in addition to the new winery at Pradejón (near Calahorra) they have greatly extended vineyard acreage, a very successful "cava" sparkling wine venture (one of the few non-Catalonian cava makers), and extensive Chardonnay plantings (disallowed in Rioja, but OK for cava). Amador, now in his mid-forties, is not one to shy away from taking risks to make things happen. The Valsacro project is an excellent case in point. 

"One of the most adventuresome of "new Rioja" producers; amazing Dioro selection has explosive fruit; new project in Navarra called Logos bears watching." 
- Anthony Dias Blue's pocket guide to wine 2006

The Valsacro Vineyards
Operating from the small Grávalos facility, Amador realized that some of his vineyards offered the potential to do something better (and different). These old vineyards, some over 100 years planted in the old fashioned "vidau" style offered the kind of raw material needed to make a modern-style premium wine - a Rioja with a difference. ["Vidau" is a mixed variety vineyard - a field blend ready to pick.] The vineyards include Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano & Garnacha. A typical Valsacro is about 40% "vidau" (majority is Garnacha with Tempranillo & Garnacha), 50% Tempranillo from 28 year old vines and 10% Mazuela (Carignan) from 25 year old vines.