La Rioja Alta is one of Rioja’s most respected and long-standing estates. Founded in 1890 in Haro, Rioja Alta, it built its reputation on elegance, balance, and wines made for decades of evolution. Its Viña Arana bottlings reflect the house’s disciplined approach to ageing and structural finesse.

The 1976 Viña Arana Reserva 60 Año was produced before formalised Reserva categories existed. The wine spent six years maturing in American oak barrels and bottle before release. It was made primarily from Tempranillo with a supporting portion of Mazuelo. Long ageing and careful cellar management created a wine that could develop tertiary complexity and maintain balance over decades.

Today this bottle shows deep garnet with brick edges. Aromas include tobacco leaf, leather, dried red cherry, cedar, sweet spice, and hints of old vanilla. On the palate the tannins are silky and fully integrated. Acidity provides lift. Flavors of plum skin, licorice, and forest floor linger into a long, contemplative finish. This is Rioja shaped by time and patience.

Why You’ll Love It

• Historic Rioja pedigree: Over 130 years of winemaking tradition in Rioja Alta.

• Decades of evolution: Leather, tobacco, dried cherry, cedar, and sweet spice.

• Rare aged treasure: Bottles this old with good provenance are increasingly scarce.

How To Serve

• Stand upright 48 hours before opening to settle sediment.

• Decant gently just before pouring.

• Serve at 60–63°F in large Bordeaux stems.

• Pair with roasted lamb, aged Manchego, braised game.

We highly recommend opening these aged rarities with an Ah-So (two-prong opener) or Durand corkscrew.