2023 Viña Salceda Pico Palomares, Rioja
A refined and elegant expression of Rioja – cool-climate Tempranillo with freshness, structure, and terroir-driven finesse
History and Winery
Viña Salceda was established in 1969 in the village of Elciego, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. The winery is known for its pure, terroir-focused wines that combine modern precision with classic Rioja elegance. Pico Palomares is a single-vineyard wine sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Sierra de Cantabria (approx. 700 meters above sea level). Here, the cool climate and limestone soils create wines with intense fruit, structure, and pronounced minerality – a wine that showcases the most refined side of Rioja Alavesa.
Grapes and Vinification
- 100% Tempranillo from the “Pico Palomares” single vineyard
- Hand-harvested from old vines with low yields
- Traditional fermentation in concrete tanks to preserve the grape’s pure aromatics
- Aged in large French oak barrels (foudres) for 12 months for structure and finesse
Terroir and Origin
Region: Rioja Alavesa, Northern Spain
Soil: Calcareous clay with high stone content – provides the wines with nerve, freshness, and precision
The high-altitude, cool terroir of the Sierra de Cantabria creates Tempranillo with fresh acidity, floral notes, and delicate fruit. The combination of high altitude, stony soil, and natural wind exposure gives the wine a cool, almost Burgundian profile.
Tasting Notes
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Aroma: Fresh red cherries, violets, graphite, and a hint of toasted oak
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Taste: Elegant and balanced with fresh fruit, silky tannins, and mineral length
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Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, refined structure, and a long, clean finish
Serving and Food Pairing
Serving temperature: 16–18 °C (preferably decanted for 30 minutes)
- Grilled lamb or beef with herbs and garlic
- Game dishes – e.g., pigeon or venison with mushrooms
- Dry-aged ham and mature cheeses
- The perfect wine for modern, gastronomic dishes with a focus on finesse
