Bodegas Roda
Spanish wine growing changed considerably at the end of the 1980's.
A new generation of wine makers were arriving on the scene, 2 of which
were Mario Rotllant and Carmen Daurella. Along with bringing passion
and commitment to Rioja, they created a project that would bring something
new to the wine world.
TheDrinkShop.com
: BODEGAS RODA - Roda I, Rioja 2004 - Spanish Rioja Red Wine
The name 'Roda' is made by taking the first 2 letters of Mario’s
and Carmen’s surnames. The first few months of business were spent
making contacts and performing vineyard trials. Eventually in 1991 the
winery was officially established. A highly technical wine growing team
was established and Roda soon became one of Rioja's leading wineries
wineries. Only indigenous grape varieties are used, Tempranillo, Garnacha
and Graciano.
The Vineyards
There are currently 150 hectares (370 acres) of vineyard at Roda. The
team has identified over 28 different eco-systems whose altitudes range
from 380m to 650m above sea level, on different soils of sand, clay-limestone,
clay, gravel terraces, always with good exposure.
Only old vines are used at Roda, their roots grow at a great depth
and are spread over a larger volume of soil. This is essential in reducing
the extreme effects of drought and excessive rainfall. The three grape
varieties that are used combine power and elegance and have an enormous
range of aromas and flavours.
Graciano is difficult to grow and has a very low pH. It produces wines
of deep colour with fresh, spicy aromas, and blends very well with Tempranillo.
Grenache in grown in the southernmost area of Rioja in gravel soils
at high altitudes, and it is used to blend with the other varieties.
The classic Rioja bush vine is made up of three irregular main branches
growing directly from the soil and reaching up to 1 metre in height.
When a branch breaks, wither through old age or because it is unstable,
it is replaced by a new shoot from the trunk. It colonises the space
around the vine in every direction. The result is that all growth is
extremely well ventilated and spread out from each other.
Bodegas Roda has huge respect for the environment. Grass grows freely
from October until April and the edges of the vineyards are littered
with indigenous flora which encourages insects. Fertilising is kept
down to a minimum, most of which comes in the form of manure. Fungal
sprays are made from sulphur and copper, and synthetic chemical products
are avoided.
Each year, the vineyards are meticulously checked and only 17 of the
best vineyards are selected to make Roda. What is left over is sold
as grape production. Many of these vineyards figure in the selection
every year whereas others are only included in some years, according
to the weather conditions of the season.
The Harvest
One of the most complex operations at Roda and one which requires the
greatest effort is choosing which vineyard will go into the wine and
on which day the picking should begin. The vines are constantly checked
from beginning of the ripening process and by the end of the picking,
more and more visits are made to each vineyard. Detailed observations
are made and along with the support of the laboratory, texture, colour,
the taste of the berries and their pips are checked. This enables the
team at Roda gain an approximate idea of when the grapes are perfectly
ripe.
A team of 40 harvesters return year after year and pick the grapes
by hand. They are carefully placed in 18kg crates and are picked from
vines which have been chosen that day. Sometimes two or even three separate
pickings are carried out to ensure that all grapes are perfectly ripe.
The average yield per hectare is no more than 5,000 kg or 34 hectolitres.
BODEGAS RODA - Roda I, Rioja 2004
Grape Type: 100% Tempranillo.
ABV: 14.5%
Fermentation: In oak tubs, temperature controlled.
Ageing: In French oak barrels; 16 months in barrel and 20 months in
bottle
Stabilization: By natural methods; fining with egg white, without filtration
Tasting Notes: Shows big, black cherry, blackberry and wild herb aromas
and dense, powerful, spicy and mineral fruit on the palate. Roda I is
a wine with serious structure, harmonious, balancing acidity and ripe,
soft tannins.
Serving Suggestion: Great with almost any Mediterranean dish, especially
lasagne and spaghetti bolognese.
