In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninHigh acidityDryVery Long finish

Aroma: dried strawberry, sandalwood, tobacco, truffle, balsamic

Palate: macerated cherry, leather, sweet spice, silky tannin

The house's pinnacle Gran Reserva, made only in exceptional years and aged around six years in oak; ethereal, sandalwood-scented and extraordinarily long, a benchmark for traditional Rioja.

What it pairs with

  • Roast wood pigeon
    Mature game and 890's truffle-and-sandalwood depth are a grand match.
  • Cordero asado al sarmiento
    Vine-roasted lamb for one of Rioja's greatest Gran Reservas.
  • Aged Manchego
    Crystalline cheese sharpens the silky, savoury finish.

History

The 890 commemorates the house's 1890 founding. Made only in the best years and aged around six years in American oak, it is one of Rioja's most revered Gran Reservas.

  1. 1890 — Founding year commemorated by the 890 name
  2. 1973 — Modern 890 Gran Reserva style established
  3. 2023 — 2010 vintage acclaimed as a modern reference Gran Reserva

Facts

Producer
La Rioja Alta S.A.
Grapes
Tempranillo (95%), Graciano (3%), Mazuelo (2%)
Classification
DOCa Rioja
Oak
Around 6 years in American oak with manual racking, then very long bottle ageing
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 150 to 350 at retail
Drinking window
10 to 40 from vintage
First vintage
1973

Scores

  • Tim Atkin 98 (2010 vintage, reviewed 2023)
  • Decanter 97 (2010 vintage, reviewed 2022)

Tags

← Back to wines in Rioja