Background

Condado de Haza ‘Alenza’ Gran Reserva 2018 is made only in the very best vintages and is a tradition and legacy. Its name pays tribute to Alejandro Fernández and his wife, Esperanza Rivera, who fulfilled their dream of making wine using ancestral methods, which was simple yet elegant. The hallmark of its identity is the use of the stems of the grapes from their Maricalva plot.

The Wine

This Gran Reserva Ribera del Duero delivers a rich and complex tasting experience. It opens with aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, tobacco, leather, and subtle spices like cinnamon and cloves. Oak and vanilla from the aging process also add depth.

The palate is full-bodied, offering concentrated dark fruit flavors balanced by notes of cedar, tobacco, and hints of chocolate. Smooth tannins and well-integrated acidity create structure, leading to a long, elegant finish with earthy and spicy undertones. The velvety texture enhances the wine’s depth, making it ideal for those who appreciate nuanced and robust reds.

Vintage Notes

The 2018 growing season featured long, cold winters and short, dry, hot summers. The Ribera del Duero Regulatory Board rated the vintage as “Very Good.”

Vineyard Notes

The vineyards are located in Roa and La Horra, about 800 meters above sea level. The soil is a mix of clay, sand, and gravel, creating ideal conditions for balanced grape production and maturity.

Cellar Notes

The wine was aged for 27 months in American oak barrels. This aging process results in a fruity, balsamic wine with a touch of minerality and dense tannins, typical of wines from Roa in Burgos.

History

Alejandro Fernández has shaped vine-growing in Ribera del Duero for nearly 40 years, continuing his family tradition and following in his father’s footsteps. In 1975, he achieved his dream of producing a great wine with the release of his first ‘Tinto.’

His flagship winery played a key role in establishing the success of the emerging wine-producing DO, where the Tempranillo grape reigns supreme. His dedication and expertise have earned him numerous awards and international acclaim. Robert Parker, the esteemed American critic, recognized him as one of Spain’s top producers, celebrating the exceptional quality of his wines.