Pagos de la Sonsierra Reserva 2016
The Rioja that’s got it all… including great scores and awards
That every great wine comes from a great vineyard is a universal truth. And Bodegas Sonsierra is well aware of this. Its Pagos de la Sonsierra Reserva 2016 is made from Tempranillo grapes selected from small, old vineyards cultivated in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, an exceptional location. It's a red that embodies the essence of the Tempranillo that grows in Rioja, in this case in the region's most sought-after vineyards. These outstanding ingredients are further enhanced by thorough work in the vineyard, hand sorting of the bunches and careful ageing in French oak barrels. The result is a superb Reserva that's been acclaimed by critics (93 points from Tim Atkin, 91 points from the Peñín guide, to name a few). On the palate, it's potent, full-bodied and fleshy, with a long, refined finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
General features
Type of wine
Region
Grape variety
100% Tempranillo
Type of barrel
French oak barrels
Type of bottle
Bordeaux
Barrel aging time
18 meses
Capacity (cl)
75
General Information
Pagos de la Sonsierra Reserva 2016 is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes harvested by hand from a selection of small old vineyards (40 to 100 years old). These dry-farmed, bush-trained vines are south facing to ensure optimal ripening of the grapes and withstand extreme weather conditions that contribute to the concentration and quality of the fruit.
The must underwent cold pre-fermentative maceration, followed by alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks with frequent pumping over, resulting in excellent extraction of colour and aromas. Malolactic fermentation on the lees, with weekly stirring, took place in new French oak barrels selected from the best cooperages in the world. Finally, the wine was aged for 18 months in barrels and at least 26 months in the bottle before being released onto the market.
Bodegas Sonsierra has managed to position itself among the big names in Rioja. It was founded back in 1962 in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, when a group of winegrowers decided to pool their vineyards to fulfil their dream of creating a great winery in Rioja Alta. The firm thus started out as a cooperative and still retains its partnership structure today. It produces wines from its own vineyards, an exceptional asset made up of 500 hectares of vines handed down from generation to generation and located in the area around San Vicente de la Sonsierra, the most exclusive part of Rioja, where the Tempranillo variety attains great quality. A huge expanse of vineyards to choose from and winemaking expertise are the keys to its success.
Pagos de la Sonsierra Reserva 2016 (D.O.Ca. Rioja) is ideal with T-bone steaks and red meats, vegetable dishes, pasta, semi-mature and very mature cheeses, or seasonal mushrooms.
Tasting notes
Dark chocolate, raisins, liqueur chocolates, eucalyptus, roasted coffee and cream. Full-bodied on the palate, potent, richly nuanced, meaty and refined, with a pleasant, deeply distinctive, lingering finish that reveals the wine's personality.
Creators' opinion
A very special Reserva that's tremendously complex and wonderfully blended. Barrel ageing brings out and adds further nuances to the lush flavours of ripe fruit that characterise our oldest vineyard.
The winery
Winery
Located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Bodegas Sonsierra produces wines exclusively from its own vineyard, 100% within the same village. Bodegas Sonsierra boasts a long history of crafting high-end wines. The winery was established in 1962 through the initiative of a group of local winegrowers who decided to pool their vineyards to fulfill their dream: to create a great winery in Rioja Alta. Thus, it began as a farmers' cooperative and to this day retains its associative character. Sonsierra wines are origin, landscape, history, and tradition.
In February 2022, Bodegas Sonsierra was awarded the title of ‘Cooperative of the Year’ in the ‘Rioja 2022 Special Report’ by the renowned British critic Tim Atkin MW.