The Torre de Oña winery, part of Grupo La Rioja Alta, S.A., has launched the first vintage (2012) of the Martelo Reserva, its new Rioja Alavesa wine.

Made from winemaker Julio Sáenz’s personal selection of over 60-year-old vines and vintages which are “fresh, with long ripening periods,” its arrival means, according to the winemaking group’s president, Guillermo de Aranzabal, “much more than the presentation of a new brand.” It is, he says, “a veritable turning point in the history of the winery and, even, of Rioja Alavesa, as Martelo represents an unprecedented style which brings together, the finesse and complexity of Rioja Alta and the personality and rusticity of the great Alava terroir in perfect balance.”

Aranzabal has also stated that "we have been polishing and defining this new style based on an arduous oenological work and, above all, research into and knowledge of our vineyard for more than two decades.” All this with the aim of “extracting the essence of this special land to give our wines an up-to-date, highly differential character.”

To make this first edition, the Páganos winery has opted for a selection of Tempranillo grapes (95%), complemented with other varieties, including Mazuelo, Garnacha and even Viura, representing “the most traditional plantations in the area, with blends arising from the vineyard.” “Each plot of Torre de Oña manifests itself in a very different way” says winemaker Julio Sáenz, “and time and experience have taught us the way to make this modern, tasty, balanced wine, with great personality and expressiveness,” ideal to go with food thanks to its “structure and elegance.”

Both Spanish and international wine critics have welcomed the new Martelo Reserva 2012 with anticipation and magnificent scores. 40,000 bottles have been made of this first vintage.