Tasting guide: Spanish red (3 archival wines from the Urbina family winery)

Do you know the Spanish province of La Rioja? We’ll be pleased to get you acquainted. This is where the Urbina winemaking family produces wines that every lover of red wines ought to taste.

Wine made from the traditional Tempranillo variety matures here for a looong time in oak barrels. We’ve selected three vintages that have waited from 10 to 20 years in their family archive. They’re mature, full, and perfect for a pleasant evening.

“I recommend this set for wine lovers and for those who want to discover the world of archival wines. Compare the different vintages and styles of wines. Prepare yourself for the gentle tannins that the wines acquired thanks to their longer maturation.”

Jan Pánek, sommelier and founder of Via Tempia

Here they aren’t in a hurry for their wine

Every inch of the Budegas Urbina winery is a family business. It’s run by the founder’s great-grandsons, who have maintained their great-grandfather’s traditional methods. They produce wine slowly and honestly, using varieties that are typical in the La Rioja area. The wine is always aged in oak barrels and then it matures for a loooong time in the Urbina family archive.

2000 Urbina Selección – dry red wine

Are you patient? You don’t have to be. This ruby-red wine has waited for you.

It was created 20 years ago from the traditional Tempranillo variety. It matured into an intensively fruity aroma and fresh, balanced taste that will linger for a long time on your tongue.

Taste and archival red wine that matured in oak barrels. Its taste is mature, balanced, and well-rounded. At the same time, it’s remained lively, with fresh tannins and an incredibly long finish.

2004 Urbina Gran Reserva Especial – dry red wine

Not every wine deserves a Gran Reserva label. This one has a right to it. The aroma of the archival red Urbina Gran Reserva Especial 2004 will take you on a tour from ripe figs to the scent of tobacco and cherry blossoms all the way to cloves and vanilla.

The first sip brings in harmonious tones of fruit and oak. Elegance, velvety softness, and an endlessly long finish.

2006 Urbina Crianza – dry red wine

In a word, this archival red wine from 2006 is … friendly.

Warm, elegant. Full of flavors that hold precious memories. You can drink it all evening, sitting comfortably in your favorite armchair.

In the aroma you’ll be entranced by vanilla, white pepper, cherries, and a pinch of orange rind.