Spanish wine tasting from La Rioja: 2 white and 2 red archival wines from Urbina Winery

We thought that nothing could surprise us. And then we discovered the Spanish province of La Rioja.

It is here where the winemaking Urbina family live, and for 150 years they have been producing wines using traditional methods. That’s why their wines are so full of tastes and aromas that surprise even connoisseurs.

We’ve selected 2 white and 2 red wines from the Urbina family’s archive for you. Taste them or give them to someone who loves mature wines.

“I recommend this set for wine lovers and those who want to discover the world of archival wines. Compare the different vintages and styles of wines. Prepare yourself for 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.

What can you expect in this wine gift set?

2000 Rioja DOC Selección Bodegas Urbina – 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 Rioja DOC Gran Reserva Especial Bodegas Urbina– 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.

2014 Rioja Reserva Bodegas Urbina– dry white wine

Have you ever smelled butterscotch candies in wine?

If you haven’t, it’s high time to experience it. The archival white wine from the Macabeo grape variety will take you on a tour from caramel candies through banana cake to mango and spice.

The first drops flood your mouth with freshness. Sweet tones, then a distinctive acidity. The mature taste of fruit is reminiscent of melon and apricots. All of it is balanced out with honey and flowers.

2016 Rioja DOC Viura Crianza Bodegas Urbina – dry white wine

This golden wine with a smooth, buttery taste was created from the traditional Macabeo grape variety. It will win you over at the first sip.

What does it smell like? Imagine a table set for Sunday breakfast. White flowers are in a vase. And a banana cake with caramel, dried mango, and spice poured over it sits on your plate. There are yellow apples and citrus fruits to accompany it.

The taste flows smoothly. It’s fresh, and lightened by the wine’s acidity. The tones of apricots, melon, grapefruit, and honey will remain in your mouth for a long time.