Bodegas Rulei – Viña Barracallo Red 2017 – Rioja Alta Spain

Viña Barracallo Red 2017 is a terroir-driven Rioja Alta red by Bodegas Rulei, blending Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Cabernet Sauvignon from a 35-year-old vineyard on alluvial gravel soils. Fermented and completed malolactic fermentation in concrete, then aged 18 months in French and American oak, it’s an intense, tasty wine with balanced acidity and real aging potential.

🍷 At a Glance

• Grape: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Region: Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2017
• Aging: 18 months in 225L French and American oak (70% French, 30% American)
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Style: Dry red wine, oak-aged
• Production: 1936 bottles

👃 Tasting Notes & Experience

• Body: Medium to full-bodied with a creamy texture
• Fruit: Black fruit and plum
• Savory: Roasted coffee, liquorice, botanicals, leather, and clean ash
• Structure: Balanced acidity with a long, spicy finish

Ruby red in the glass, with a layered, expressive nose that moves from black fruit into roasted coffee, liquorice, and botanical notes, with hints of leather and ash. On the palate, it is tasty and textured, showing creamy plum and balanced acidity, finishing with spice and exotic woods that linger.

❤️ Why We Love It

• Concrete fermentation keeps the fruit precise and lively
• Gravelly terroir expression with depth and spice
• Limited-production Rioja Alta red with real character

🍽️ Food Pairing Ideas

• Grilled meats and barbecue-style dishes
• Roast lamb or pork with herbs and spice
• Aged cheeses and rich savory plates

👤 Who This Wine Is For

✓ Fans of structured reds with spice and savory depth
✓ Drinkers who enjoy terroir-driven Rioja with aging potential
✕ Not ideal if you only like very light, fruit-forward reds

93 – SeVi Guide (2024) • 91 – WineUp Guide (2024)