Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Valserrano – Rioja Alavesa Crianza 2019
Tempranillo (≈95%) & Mazuelo (≈5%) – Rioja DOCa, Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
From the limestone-rich slopes of Rioja Alavesa, Valserrano’s 2019 Crianza reflects both tradition and precision. Vinified by the family-run Bodegas de la Marquesa, this wine adheres to DOCa Rioja Crianza regulations—minimum one year in oak plus bottle aging—here achieved through 16–18 months in a combination of American and French oak   .

Aromas & Flavors
Pours a cherry-red with bluish hues . On the nose: ripe strawberries and raspberries, floral spice, and a whisper of liquorice, evolving to deeper red-fruit tones, toasted nuances, and gentle smokiness    . On the palate it’s deep and powerful: flavors of red fruits, toasted oak, spices, and a savory, lingering finish   .

Mouthfeel
Robust and fresh, with noticeable tannins and a balanced structure. Oak is integrated, giving texture without overpowering the fruit   .

Finish / Impression
The finish is long and savory, echoing spice-driven fruit and oak depth—a concentrated, satisfying profile that speaks to both winery craft and regional character   .

Verdict
This 2019 Valserrano Crianza is a textbook Rioja Alavesa Crianza: elegant yet powerful, fruit-driven yet structured by well-integrated oak. Vibrant strawberry and raspberry flavors, hints of spice and toast, and a savory, enduring finish make it both approachable and refined. A standout from Bodegas de la Marquesa that honors traditional Rioja style with poise. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Made from Tempranillo 90% and Graciano 10% grape varieties. The 2018 vintage shows plenty of fruity aromas, dark berries, redcurrants, blueberries, hints of aromatic herbs and toasted custard. Dried fruits, raisins and nutmeg on the palate. Tannins are round but under medium plus, still fruity, yet, Smooth and fine finish! — 8 months ago

Matthew Doty

9.2

2018 vintage. Outstanding. — 4 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Garnacha and Graciano, aged for 26 months in new French oak, 70 year-old vines. Deep Ruby color with aromas of fruit, earthy spiced and woodsy notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with cedar, tobacco, leather and smoky notes. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, tobacco, toasty cedar and earthy mineral character. — 6 months ago

Rufus King

9.4

Full-bodied, but refreshing Champagne enjoyed before dinner enjoyed at Café Marquesa in Key West — 10 months ago

Kyle Anderson

8.9

Poblano and steak quesadillas — a year ago

with Vanessa

Matthew Doty

9.1

2020 vintage. Excellent! A dry, delicious Rioja. — 4 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Garnacha and Graciano, aged for 26 months in new French oak, 70 year-old vines. Deep Ruby color with aromas of fruit, earthy spiced and woodsy notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with cedar, tobacco, leather and smoky notes. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, tobacco, toasty cedar and earthy mineral character. — 7 months ago

Rufus King

9.2

Full-bodied Chablis enjoyed with seafood at Café Marquesa in Key West and before dinner in Toronto — 10 months ago

Byron Hewett

9.3

Beautiful wine with impeccable balance. Rich, complex, harmonious and long. Lovely Rioja Blanco. — a year ago