The Rioja Classic Houses Case

One of the great names, CVNE Imperial is one of the region's classiest Riojas. The young 2018 is full, dense and velvety with flattering oak spice.

An exceptional vintage of this concentrated and stylish Rioja reserva from the talented Muga family. Full-bodied, velvety and long with ripe dark-fruit flavour and oak enhancing spice. Decant to drink now or hold for several years to mature.

2016 is a top vintage in Rioja and Ardanza does not disappoint. It is an exceptional example, mostly tempranillo with 20% garnacha, of Rioja's classic style aged three years in barrels, then further in bottle. The 2016 has depth, intensity and length. A huge vineyard of more than 300 hectares. the bodega is perhaps the best producer of the 'very traditional' style of Rioja, that is a wine of medium structure given long cask ageing and frequent racking producing an evolved brick-red colour at the rim, an intense bouquet of leather and tobacco and soft tannins. What sets La Rioja Alta apart from other traditionalists is that their wines also retain plenty of sweetness, vigour and flavour on the palate. Considerable bottle ageing before sale means that they ready for drinking when released.

A legendary name from Rioja, this is a classically styled gran reserva from Bilbainas' finest vineyards in and around Haro. Mostly tempranillo with 10% graciano, carefully aged in US oak for two years, then a further year in oak vat. Complex smoky and licorice flavours add levels to the dark fruit, refined texture and smooth finish. Founded in 1901 in Haro's iconic Station Quarter, Bodegas Bilbaínas is the longest-standing bottling winery in Rioja. It has more vineyards (250 ha) than any other winery in Haro, the most important area of the Rioja Alta.

A century-old Rioja bodega in Haro which is going through a resurgence under new ownership. This beautifully labelled wine is a delicious example of early bottled, young Rioja. No oak here, simply the pure-fruit flavours of garnacha and tempranillo. This is fresh and crunchy with light tannins and a moreish finish.

Sela is the second wine of Roda, one of the leading modern bodegas in Rioja. The 2021 has rich red-fruit flavour and a delicate touch of vanilla from a year in French barrels. This is vibrant, classy Rioja with crunchy fruit.