Benito Escudero Gran Reserva 2011
Benito Escudero Gran Reserva
Grenache
Carignan
Benito Escudero Gran Reserva
Ripe fruit & noble spice
Dark garnet red with a slightly brick-red rim, a clear sign of its long maturation period. The high viscosity is evident in slow, dense streaks on the rim of the glass – an indication of structure, depth, and an elegant, matured character.
The nose reveals a complex aromatic interplay of ripe cherries, dried plums, and blackcurrants, embedded in a delicate vanilla note, tobacco, and spicy cedar wood. Subtle herbs, roasted hazelnuts, and a hint of cocoa lend additional depth.
Silky, complex and perfectly balanced, with supple, ripe tannins. The dark fruit is present, but is accompanied by a fine oak spice, light roasted aromas and delicate herbal notes. The long finish ends with a hint of licorice, black pepper and fine chocolate.
A Gran Reserva that matures for at least five years, two of them in American and French barriques. The combination of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo creates an elegant interplay of fruit, spice, and silky structure. A Rioja with impressive maturity and complexity.
Four generations, one attitude: authentic Rioja, no frills.
If the term "family winery" can be taken seriously anywhere, it's at Escudero. Since 1852, the estate has been firmly rooted in Grávalos, a small town in the eastern part of the region. What started as a cellar under the family home is now a winery with a radiant reputation – run by four siblings who couldn't be more different but pour the same wine at the table: Jesús, María Ángeles, Amador, and José María.
For the family, tradition is not a museum but a toolbox. At Escudero, there's no cheering for the past; instead, they work towards the future. Old vines, lively soils, concrete tanks in the cellar if it helps with texture – here, experimentation is key, but never for its own sake. The goal: honest wines with clear provenance, unadulterated, long-lasting, and with character.
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano – the classic Rioja craftsmanship is central to the Escudero family. But those who taste carefully will notice: there's more to it. Amador Escudero also sought land in Navarra – not out of boredom, but because grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon can play their own unique game there. This results in wines that don't copy Rioja but expand upon it. What grows through its own strength should not be hindered – this is why the family now cultivates nearly 200 hectares of vineyards with its 4 estates, each with its own focus. No small feat, especially when everything is organic and harvested by hand.
Other wines from the winery
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Benito Escudero Gran Reserva
2011
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#intensiveElegant, spicy, and velvety.24,75 €33,00 € / L24,75 €33,00 € / L -
Benito Escudero Reserva
2016
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#complexFull-bodied, spicy, and elegant17,00 €22,67 € / L17,00 €22,67 € / L -
Benito Escudero Crianza
2020
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#multifacetedSpicy, elegant, and velvety13,25 €17,67 € / L13,25 €17,67 € / L -
Benito Escudero
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#high upFull-bodied, spicy, and elegant9,50 €12,67 € / L9,50 €12,67 € / L -
The BODEGAS ESCUDERO Tasting Package
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#bestofriojaDiscover the most traditional Rioja wines.6x premium Rioja wine.75,00 €86,00 €16,67 € / L75,00 €86,00 €16,67 € / L -
Cava Benito Escudero Brut Nature
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#expressiveFresh, creamy, and mineral.15,95 €21,27 € / L15,95 €21,27 € / L -
Benito Escudero Crianza
2019
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#multifacetedSpicy, elegant, and velvety13,25 €17,67 € / L13,25 €17,67 € / L -
Bequer Blanco Reserva
2019
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#expressiveCreamy, yellow-fruited and rounded.19,75 €26,33 € / L19,75 €26,33 € / L -
Arvum
2005
Bodegas Escudero, Rioja#perfectly ripenedHearty, spicy, and complex59,00 €78,67 € / L59,00 €78,67 € / L
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Benito Escudero Gran Reserva
2011
Ripe fruit & noble spice
Dark garnet red with a slightly brick-red rim, a clear sign of its long maturation period. The high viscosity is evident in slow, dense streaks on the rim of the glass – an indication of structure, depth, and an elegant, matured character.
The nose reveals a complex aromatic interplay of ripe cherries, dried plums, and blackcurrants, embedded in a delicate vanilla note, tobacco, and spicy cedar wood. Subtle herbs, roasted hazelnuts, and a hint of cocoa lend additional depth.
Silky, complex and perfectly balanced, with supple, ripe tannins. The dark fruit is present, but is accompanied by a fine oak spice, light roasted aromas and delicate herbal notes. The long finish ends with a hint of licorice, black pepper and fine chocolate.
A Gran Reserva that matures for at least five years, two of them in American and French barriques. The combination of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo creates an elegant interplay of fruit, spice, and silky structure. A Rioja with impressive maturity and complexity.