2025 Viña Salceda La Rellanilla, Rioja

History and Winery

Viña Salceda was founded in 1969 in the village of Elciego in Rioja Alavesa – an area considered the most elegant and cool-climate region in Rioja. Since then, the estate has focused on Tempranillo as a pure varietal, creating wines with freshness, balance, and great authenticity. La Rellanilla is a single-vineyard wine from a high-altitude plot with old vines, where the combination of limestone-rich soil and Atlantic breezes creates a wine with fresh fruit, precision, and structure – a modern interpretation of Rioja that showcases the true character of the terroir.

Grapes and Vinification

• 100% Tempranillo from the “La Rellanilla” single vineyard in Rioja Alavesa
• Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness for maximum aromatic purity
• Fermented in small concrete tanks with indigenous yeast – for an authentic expression
• 6–8 months of aging in neutral barrels and concrete tanks for freshness and finesse

Terroir and Origin

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Northern Spain

Soil: Limestone and clay soil on high-altitude slopes – providing mineral structure and upright posture

The high altitude (approx. 650 meters above sea level) and the cool microclimate from the Sierra de Cantabria create a fresh and lively Tempranillo that combines ripe fruit with elegant acidity and fine tannins.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Fresh cherries, raspberries, and violets with a hint of licorice and graphite
• Palate: Delicate and pure – red fruit, mineral nerve, and silky-smooth structure
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, precise, and elegant with a long, cool finish

Serving and Food Pairing

Serving temperature: 16–18 °C (light decanting recommended)

• Grilled lamb or beef – the wine's structure matches the richness of the meat
• Dishes with mushrooms, truffle, or roasted vegetables
• Spanish tapas and aged cheeses – e.g., Manchego or Idiazábal
• Ideal “modern Rioja” for both classic and Nordic cuisine