By Varela
2015 Rioja Gran Reserva

Wine Details
This wine is a tribute to Leopoldo Salas y Amat, whose studies and research on the phylloxera enabled us to continue writing the history of Rioja. Varela symbolizes the protection and care of this land from which our wines are born.

Vineyard Notes
Made with Tempranillo from vineyards from the three subzones of Rioja with different types of soils: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental on the slopes of the Sierra de la Demanda, facing north.

Winemaking Notes
Once the fruit is selected, the production is based on destemming the clusters and gently crushing the grapes to subsequently carry out alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged in medium-toasted French oak and American white oak (Ohio) barrels for at least 36 months, with racking every six months to facilitate natural clarification. Afterward, it remains in the bottle for 24 months to refine.

Technical Details
Grape Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Aging: French and American oak barrels for approximately 36 months
Alcohol: 13.00%

Tasting Notes
Color: Ripe cherry color with ruby tones, medium-high layer
Nose: Complex nose with spicy backgrounds and red fruits. Elegant classicism with touches of jam, toffee, chocolate, and spices.
Mouth: Good structure in the mouth, tasty, meaty, good balance, and fruity load. Wide and elegant on the palate. Mature and serious finish. Aromatic aftertaste. Great finesse.

Service
Food Pairing: Pulses, white meats and grilled meat, sheep cheese, pasta, and fried food in general
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees C
[Information provided by W. Direct]

Wine: Bodegas Franco Espanolas 2015 Varela Gran Reserva Tempranillo (Rioja)
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 09/01/2026
Reviewed By: John Sumners
Tasting Notes: This shows the sophistication and grace of its age, as ripe red plum and berries meet sweet tea leaf, spicy tobacco, old leather, and rose petal. With the elegant red fruit still shining right now, it'll be at its best over the next few years on the table with fine cuisine.