A Refreshingly Different Take on Rioja

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Bodegas Roda, Rioja

I've been following this Rioja renegade for some years now. Roda are neither the traditional proponents of long barrel ageing nor are they the modernist lovers of small barrique and voluptuous fruit. There are two Reservas which are separated purely on their fruit characteristics; Roda being derived from grapes displaying the most red fruit character and Roda I from those with a darker fruit constitution.

I met with Roda's Agustin Santolaya recently to taste the latest release of Roda I, alongside a range of back vintages, showing their evolution and potential. The impressive 2017 struck me as the most polished vintage to-date but I loved the vibrancy and generosity of the 2007 and the succulence and completeness of the 2004. These are wines that will reward patience.

My first taste of Roda's new white Rioja, was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Until now, it has been an in-house project and not commercially available. Production is currently minuscule and I only managed to secure 3 cases.

Stock is due to arrive later this autumn.

2017 Roda I, Rioja Riserva

£228.00 per 6 Bot Case, in bond (£289.67 Duty & VAT paid)
£235.00 per 3 Mag Case, in bond (£298.07 Duty & VAT paid)

Please enquire for 3ltr and 6ltr formats

Brooding dark fruits. Dense and powerful. Firm but polished tannins. Ripe black cherry. Dark chocolate. Violet note on finish. Needs time. 2025-2040+
Simon Quinn, VinQuinn

Aromas of blackberries, ripe blueberries, figs, cedar and roasted meat. It’s medium-to full-bodied with plush tannins and fresh acidity. Juicy and textured with a polished, rich core of fruit and spice. Flavorful, long finish. Drink or hold.
94 points James Suckling

2019 Roda I, Rioja Blanco

£260.00 per 6 Bot Case, in bond (£328.07 Duty & VAT paid)

Gentle honeysuckle and apricot. Beeswax. Tapenade. Delicately oily. Lively freshness. Lifted and floral. Vinous. Very elegant and pure. Strawberry and blueberry. Light touch of salinity. Succulent. Long tapering finish. Very subtle oak integration. Now-2030+
Simon Quinn, VinQuinn Ltd

Austere, mineral nose with lots of wet stone, quince and a discreet expression of lemon pastry and fine lees that extend to the rich, flavorful and buttery palate. A full-bodied palate carries it with fresh, medium acidity and a long, creamy finish. A hint of pomelo skins. Viura, malvasia and some garnacha blanca. Very serious. Drink now or hold.
95 points James Suckling

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