Introduction:
The 2022 Villota Selvanevada Rioja Alavesa is a distinguished red wine from the Rioja Alavesa sub-region in Spain. Produced by Viñas del Lentisco – Villota, a family-owned winery with a rich history dating back to the 1930s, this wine exemplifies the family's dedication to traditional viticulture and winemaking excellence.

Terroir:
Sourced from the Finca San Rafael vineyard, owned and cultivated by the Villota family since the 1930s, the vines are planted on three terraces that gently slope towards the Ebro River. The soil composition is primarily calcareous iron-rich clay with a high percentage of limestone, imparting a deep reddish color. Thousands of years ago, the site was covered by the river, depositing rolled river stones (canto rodado) across the vineyard, contributing to the unique terroir. The climate is continental Mediterranean with a slight Atlantic influence, moderated by the Sierra de Cantabria, resulting in an average annual temperature of 13.8°C (56.8°F) and annual rainfall around 500 liters per square meter.

Appearance:
Deep ruby red with violet hues, indicating its youth and vibrancy.

Nose:
Aromas of ripe red and black fruits, such as cherry and blackberry, complemented by subtle floral notes and a hint of spice.

Palate:
The palate is medium-bodied with flavors of fresh red berries, plum, and a touch of vanilla. The wine exhibits balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins, leading to a harmonious and approachable profile.

Finish:
A lingering finish with notes of dark fruit and a subtle spiciness, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

Press:
91 points, Wine Spectator:
"This fluid red offers a pleasingly plump core of chopped black plum and raspberry flavors reined in by a sinewy frame of fine-grained tannins. Fragrant hints of lavender, rooibos tea leaf, vanilla, and dusty spices lace the fruit profile and linger on the finish. Tempranillo, graciano, mazuelo and garnacha. Drink now through 2029. 7,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported." (12/31/24)

91 points, James Suckling:
"Fruity nose but not yet a fruit bomb. I like the purity and the fleshy cherry core, with notes of blueberries, dark plums, and dried hibiscus. Fresh and nicely chewy with a fleshy core of mid-palate fruit. Flavorful, medium-length finish with loads of fruit." (7/24/24)

91 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2022 Selvanevada Tinto is terrific, with a ripe, medium to full-bodied, concentrated style revealing a darker core of fruits, some leafy herbs, graphite, spicy notes, solid mid-palate depth, and ripe, building tannins. A serious wine, it will evolve for a decade." (7/3/24)

91 points, Vinous:
"Aged for seven months in oak barrels, this garnet red wine features blackberry and elder along with wild herbs and a liqueur-like touch. Dry and grippy on the palate, it is intense with reactive tannins, lingering long on its fruit notes. This is a rich wine to hold for a couple of years. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2036." (12/2023)

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): Not specified
Farming Practices: Traditional dry-farmed manual viticulture, without the use of systemic herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilizers.
Producer Name: Viñas del Lentisco – Villota
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Rioja Alavesa
Grape Varietals: Tempranillo (75%), Graciano (19%), Garnacha (3%), Mazuelo (3%)
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry, Medium-Bodied Red
Winemaking Techniques: The bunches are destemmed and the berries sorted before spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel with temperature control, remontage, and delestage. Total fermentation and maceration last 18 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is then aged for seven months in second and third use French barriques (225L).
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork