Ramón Bilbao is one of the wineries with the most history in Rioja. Its entry into the 21st century was accompanied by a modernization in the style of its wine production that did not affect its essence. Ramón Bilbao Reserva 2018 is the latest vintage of a traditional Rioja aged in American oak and designed from a classic blend in the D.O.Ca.: tempranillo as the base, with graciano and mazuelo complementing.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
General features
Type of wine
Region
Grape variety
90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano y mazuelo
Type of barrel
American barrel
Barrel aging time
20 months
Capacity (cl)
75
Alcohol content (% vol.)
14
General Information
The wines of B. Ramón Bilbao enjoy significant distribution in the Spanish market. Representatives of renewed classicism, they emphasize the prominence of the fruit. Ramón Bilbao Reserva 2018 comes from a selection of estates cultivated in the Rioja Alta subzone, from the varieties tempranillo (90%), mazuelo, and graciano. Vines over 40 years old planted in bush form, harvested manually in 15 kg boxes. Its meticulous production concluded with a long aging of 20 months in American oak barrels, followed by several more months refining in the bottle before being released to the market.
Founded in 1924 and located in Haro, the heart of Rioja wine, Ramón Bilbao is one of the wineries with the most tradition and reputation in Rioja Alta. Its winemaker, Rodolfo Bastida, was key in the renewal that shook Rioja in the past decade of the nineties to give the wines greater fruit presence and concentration. A firm with significant local market distribution that also enjoys the blessing of international critics and a good collection of awards for its products.
Since 1999, the Bodegas Ramón Bilbao belongs to the Restoy-Zamora family, one of the most important beverage companies in Spain, also owning wineries such as Mar de Frades, Cruz de Alba, Pommery, and Ramón Bilbao Rueda.
Ramón Bilbao Reserva 2018 is a red wine under the D.O.Ca. Rioja, ideal for pairing with red meats, game, and aged cheeses.
Creators' opinion
Ramón Bilbao Reserva shows a medium-high intensity ruby red color, with the presence of tears; clean and bright. Frank and complex. With hints of red fruit, coming from the fresh vineyards of Rioja Alta. Balsamic and spicy aromas, all in perfect balance with the aromas of leather, tobacco leaf, and tea after bottle aging. It is long, with fresh acidity, creamy, and pleasant tannins. In summary, a balanced wine, in harmony, and ready to enjoy.
The winery
Founded in 1924 by Ramón Bilbao Murga himself, since 1999 Bodegas Ramón Bilbao has been part of Grupo Zamora, which is owned by the Restoy Zamora family. From its extensive experience, its position as a pioneering company in the “art” of barrel aging stands out. In its most recent phase, its spectacular growth (from producing 600,000 bottles to 3,000,000 bottles today) and the modernization plan for its facilities and wine styles are noteworthy, largely due to the acquisition of productive vineyards and the planting of new vines in Rioja.
Located in Haro, the heart of Rioja wine, Ramón Bilbao is one of the wineries with the most tradition and prestige in the Rioja Alta. Its long history, supported by its excellent fieldwork and the application of modern winemaking, places it among the benchmark brands of Rioja vineyards. Its winemaker, Rodolfo Bastida, played an active role in the renewal carried out in the 1990s to give Rioja wines greater fruit presence and concentration. Ramón Bilbao owns 180 hectares of its own vineyards and oversees an additional 818 hectares from regional growers.
In 2010, Ramón Bilbao expanded its reach to the D.O. Rueda to produce interesting Verdejos. With the 2016 vintage, they inaugurated their own winery in this region, the homeland of Verdejo, where they already have 60 hectares of vineyards.