Its origin lies in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, where altitude and coolness largely dictate its style.
- Location / Origin: Bodegas Campillo is located in Laguardia, at the foot of the Cantabrian Mountains, in Rioja Alavesa. This is one of the most famous and quality-oriented parts of the D.O.Ca. Rioja.
- Altitude: The main vineyards are situated on the southern slopes of the mountains, between 650 and 720 m in altitude. In Rioja, this is high enough to noticeably slow down ripening and preserve extra freshness.
- Climate & Influences: These parcels are 3–4 °C cooler than the appellation average and experience more wind and significant differences between day and night temperatures. This helps build structure, acidity, and ageing potential.
- Soil: The soils consist of clay limestone and clay iron. Such soils pair well with Tempranillo, giving it grip, tension, and a sturdy backbone.
- Vineyard & Harvest: Campillo works with 150 hectares of its own vineyards, vines aged 30–70 years, and manual harvesting. The parcels are located within a 10 km radius of the winery, allowing the fruit to be processed quickly and precisely.
The cellar approach here is primarily about time, oak ageing, and building complexity.
- Ageing / Oak Maturation: The wine ages for a minimum of 22 months in French and American oak barrels. This gives the wine more spiciness, toast, cocoa, and extra rounding in the tannins, without the structure losing its elegance.
- Alcohol percentage: With 14% alcohol, this Reserva has sufficient strength for its long oak ageing and broad, gastronomic style.
This Reserva is entirely built on one grape, which is precisely what gives it its classic Rioja signature.
- Tempranillo – Rioja: Tempranillo forms the complete base and gives the wine its combination of ripe red and dark fruit, structure, acidity, and long-lasting build.
- Gold Medal, Berliner Wine Trophy 2017 (2010): A gold medal for an earlier vintage, which beautifully shows that this cuvée has long been internationally recognized.
- 90 points, International Wine Cellar, Josh Reynolds (2010): A strong international evaluation that perfectly suits a Reserva with clear complexity and length.
- Silver Bacchus, Premios Bacchus 2015 (2010): Another award for an earlier vintage, supporting this wine's reputation over several years.
- 4.2 stars, Vivino (2018): With 224 reviews, this vintage shows that it is also widely appreciated by wine lovers.
