Mission Codename Bella Bela
“Seductively spicy…full-bodied…rich and delicious” - James Suckling
Fans of big, modern styled reds take notice! This 95 point Ribera will floor you with its immense structure, depth of ripe fruit, and soaring complexity. A better value in the entire wine world can hardly be found. You saw our price, right?
How did they pull this off? Here’s the secret.
It comes from the one and only CVNE. Rioja’s oldest winery now has a young knockout from Ribera del Duero, the forefront of Iberian cult reds.
This historic tour de force Rioja legacy behind this newer kid on the Ribera del Duero block is the best explanation of just how virtuous a wine it is, as James Suckling acutely points out “classic winemaking names, such as CVNE hew to both modern and traditional sides, making lengthy and complex wines that are more compatible with contemporary aesthetics” and that’s exactly what we found here, the best of realms old and new.
Telltale high elevation intensity is backed by vibrant acidity on a tremendous palate that’s jammed with deep red and black fruit. Soft and expansive on the palate, with juicy mulled plums, dusty blackberries, cherry cordial, coconut and sweet spices. For this youthful, collectible-grade Ribera del Duero, grill up your favorite cuts, or spread out your favorite board of Jamon and queso. Don’t let the youthful exuberance fool you, this will cellar brilliantly well, too.
One of the leading specialists of this hot region, Tim Atkin MW reports “Arano, named after the wife of the founder of owners CVNE in Rioja, comes from 4 parcels of bush vines planted on the stony soils of high-altitude Moradillo de Roa. Matured in French oak, it’s a serious, concentrated, focused red…”
Serious, and seriously affordable too, thru the roof quality-price-ratio! Right from the backyard of Bodegas Vega Sicilia, WAY worth the original $55. But at $28? You still here???
95 Points – James Suckling
“Seductively spicy nose of spiced plums, nutmeg, peppercorns and coconut. Full-bodied with creamy, velvety tannins. Rich and delicious. All integrated and polished. Long. 100% tempranillo. Drink or hold.”
What the Winery Says
2019 'Arano' Ribera del Duero
- Winemakers
- Gloria Zapatero Sánchez
- Varietal
- 100% Tinta del País (Tempranillo)
- Vintage
- 2019
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Appellation
- Ribera del Duero, Spain
- Vineyards
- Moradillo de Roa
- Soils
- Gravel, silt, sandy loam
- Vine age
- 25+ years old
- Altitude
- 1,000 meters above sea level
- Aging
- 15 months
- Barrels
- 100% new French oak