Benito Escudero Reserva 2016
Benito Escudero Reserva
Carignan
Grenache
Benito Escudero Reserva
Dark Fruit & Smoky Depth
Dark ruby red with slight brick-red reflections – a clear sign of aged Tempranillo. The glass reveals a dense, almost opaque color with elegant legs, slowly running down. Visually, the depth and structure of this wine are already apparent.
The nose reveals a complex interplay of ripe black cherries, dried plums, and cassis, enveloped by spicy notes of tobacco, leather, and oak. Delicate roasted aromas of coffee and dark chocolate join in, while a subtle herbal note provides freshness.
Silky and full-bodied, with velvety, well-integrated tannins that provide an elegant structure. The fruit remains present but is accompanied by smoky oak notes, black pepper, and a hint of vanilla. The long, dry finish leaves a warm, spicy finale with hints of cocoa.
This Reserva is aged for at least 18 months in American and French oak barriques, followed by several years of bottle aging. The grapes come from high-altitude vineyards in Rioja Alta, where they ripen slowly, thus developing their depth and elegance.
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 Reserva
2016
Dark Fruit & Smoky Depth
Dark ruby red with slight brick-red reflections – a clear sign of aged Tempranillo. The glass reveals a dense, almost opaque color with elegant legs, slowly running down. Visually, the depth and structure of this wine are already apparent.
The nose reveals a complex interplay of ripe black cherries, dried plums, and cassis, enveloped by spicy notes of tobacco, leather, and oak. Delicate roasted aromas of coffee and dark chocolate join in, while a subtle herbal note provides freshness.
Silky and full-bodied, with velvety, well-integrated tannins that provide an elegant structure. The fruit remains present but is accompanied by smoky oak notes, black pepper, and a hint of vanilla. The long, dry finish leaves a warm, spicy finale with hints of cocoa.
This Reserva is aged for at least 18 months in American and French oak barriques, followed by several years of bottle aging. The grapes come from high-altitude vineyards in Rioja Alta, where they ripen slowly, thus developing their depth and elegance.