Nestled in the privileged enclave of Ábalos at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria in Rioja Alta, Bodegas Solana de Ramírez Ruiz is a deeply rooted family-run winery. Generations of the Ramírez de la Piscina family have preserved traditional winemaking techniques with a soul and deep respect for the terroir, combining historical wisdom with meticulous care across their 60 hectares of vineyards.
Their premium Valsarte line - named after one of their most emblematic valleys, the Lasarte Valley - represents an uncompromising commitment to quality, crafting distinct wines aged in French and American oak barrels that truly punch well above their grade.
Wine Review Journey
I first discovered these hidden gems on a wine-pairing list during an unforgettable Michelin-starred restaurant dinner. Captivated by their depth and balance, I tracked them down and visited the winery in July, where I was thoroughly impressed by the wines firsthand. The experience was so remarkable that I purchased bottles directly from the vineyard and had them shipped via air freight. Though the shipping cost was nothing short of ridiculous, every single penny was worth it—these exceptional bottles over-deliver on every level.
Valsarte Barrel Fermented White
Crafted from a meticulous white blend (including varieties like Viura, Malvasia, Verdejo, and Sauvignon Blanc), barrel-fermented on its own lees in new French and American oak barrels with 6 months of barrel aging. Alc. 13.5% Vol.
This white wine is a masterclass in texture and balance. On the nose, it offers medium-intensity aromas featuring tropical fruits like pineapple and peach, beautifully layered with secondary notes of coconut, passion fruit, and delicate vanilla from the oak. On the palate, it is wonderfully round, fresh, and balsamic, showing lovely structure with a creamy mouthfeel from the lees contact while maintaining a vibrant, refreshing lift. It completely redefines what a structured Rioja white can achieve.
Valsarte Signature Wine 2020
A select harvest signature red wine composed of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Graciano, fermented under controlled temperatures with a 20-day maceration, aged in barrels, and finished with 16 months in underground subterranean vessels. Natural processing with an ABV of 14.0%.
A true jewel of the winery, the 2020 Signature wine displays a medium-high brick-red colour and immediate aromatic complexity. It greets the senses with fresh, expressive tannins, prominent vanilla from the barrel, and charming accents of dried fruits with a subtle whisper of aniseed. On the palate, it is extraordinarily fresh, round, and seamlessly integrated, showcasing fine-grained noble wood and a lingering, harmonious finish that balances fruit purity with structural depth.
Valsarte Reserva 2013 Gold Medal
A classical and savory Rioja Reserva composed of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano. Underwent controlled fermentation and a 20-day maceration, followed by 24 months of barrel aging and an extensive 48 months resting in the bottle before release. Natural processing, ABV 14.0%. Awarded a Gold Medal at the Challenge International Du Vin.
At absolute peak maturity, this Gold Medal winner pours a striking tile-red colour of medium-high intensity with great legs. The nose is deeply seductive and complex, filled with ripe red fruits, structured power, and clean toasted caramel touches. In the mouth, it is remarkably structured and lively, offering vibrant, fresh tannins alongside rich mature fruit, new wood integration. It is sophisticated and persistent, showcasing classical Rioja winemaking at its finest.
