Winery The wine comes from the renowned Rioja house Viñedos de Páganos , part of the Eguren family. The family has been one of the most important producers in Rioja Alavesa for generations and is known for terroir-driven wines with precision and structure. Their focus is on low yields, old vines, and meticulous work in the vineyard. El Puntido has grown into one of Rioja's most famous single-vineyard wines. The Gran Reserva version appears only in exceptional years and undergoes a very long aging process before release. You can find more information under the Winery tab. Origin and terroir The 2014 Paganos El Puntido Gran Reserva comes from Rioja Alavesa, the cooler and higher-altitude part of Rioja in northern Spain. The vineyard is located near the village of Páganos, at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria. This mountain range protects the grapes from cold Atlantic influences while simultaneously ensuring strong temperature differences between day and night. This results in tension, freshness, and aromatic precision. The soil consists primarily of calcareous clay with many stones and good natural drainage. Old Tempranillo vines must root deeply to find water and nutrients. This results in low yields with small grapes and high concentration. The terroir gives the wine its firm structure, mineral undertones, and long aging potential. Grapes and vineyard management This Gran Reserva is made from 100% Tempranillo sourced from old vines with a limited yield per hectare. The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Only the best fruit is used for this wine. The Eguren family works with great attention to sustainable vineyard management. Through intensive pruning and green harvesting, production is deliberately kept low. As a result, the grapes gain more concentration, riper tannins, and extra aromatic depth. Additionally, the altitude of the vineyard and the poor limestone soils ensure natural freshness and balance, even in riper years. The old vines yield grapes with thick skins and high phenolic ripeness. This provides structure, color intensity, and a long flavor development during bottle aging. Vinification and aging After manual harvesting, the grapes are carefully destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. During fermentation, the tank is pumped over regularly to optimally extract color, aroma, and tannins from the skins. After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic conversion takes place in oak barrels. Subsequently, the wine ages for an extended period in French oak. This extensive wood aging imparts extra depth, structure, and refinement without overpowering the character of the Tempranillo. This is followed by several years of bottle aging in the estate's cellars before the wine becomes commercially available. As a result, the wine only comes onto the market when it is already beginning to develop beautifully. Color, smell and taste The wine has a deep ruby red color with light garnet hues at the rim, befitting its aging. On the nose, it opens slowly with aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, dried figs, and blueberries. These are followed by layers of cedarwood, tobacco, leather, graphite, clove, and cocoa. On the palate, the wine is powerful yet refined. The structure is compact and layered, with ripe tannins beautifully integrated into the fruit. Flavors of dark fruit, balsamic, espresso, vanilla, and spices slowly build towards a long and dry finish. What stands out is the combination of concentration and freshness. Despite its intensity, the wine retains tension and elegance. The long oak aging provides extra depth without becoming heavy or clunky. Style and character 2014 Paganos El Puntido Gran Reserva is a classic Rioja Gran Reserva with modern precision. The wine combines ripe dark fruit with earthy notes, refined oak influences, and firm structure. This is not a light or quick Rioja, but a wine with great substance and developme