Here I have a new wine for you that I discovered recently. Quite a pleasent surprise actually. The wine comes from Bodega Classica Hacienda Lopez de Haro, which is a classic producer of traditional wines in Rioja, spanning a variety of wines representative of the region. But today I'm recommending a red, a 'Reserva 100% 
tempranillo', which is probably no surprise as its one of my favourite varieties here in Spain.
This reserva comes from the region of the Rioja Sonsierra, which is in the heart of the area covered by the DOCa Rioja, inside the Rioja Alta. As its name suggests, “Sonsierra” is at the foot of a mountain range on the south side of the Toloño Mountains, which is part of a larger mountain range called Sierra de Cantabria. The mountains on the north and the River Ebro on the south make it one of the most favourable areas to make wine.
The microclimate, together with its special geographical features, makes it a perfect place for vineyards. On the one hand, the level of humidity is adequate with more rainfall in winter than any other season of the year, which is perfect for vines. Mostly moderate and some strong winds flow along the River Ebro from the southeast (solano in Spanish) or the northeast (cierzo) as well as fresh air come down the Toloño mountain range. These wind flows are key for maintaining a health vine.
The area’s orography is very uneven with a series of valleys that drop from the mountain range to the river, providing the land with many slopes and terraces of limestone-clay soils that have good drainage and therefore yielding the best Tempranillo grapes. These exceptional conditions for growing vines have generated a wine-producing tradition that is still alive in the entire area and has combined perfectly with the modern times.
'Bodega Classica Lopez de Haro' has been designed and built strategically on top of a hill so it can benefit from a natural climate control, as it is mostly built underground, and even the vats have been chosen with different sizes to make wine from different plots of land and with large mouths to imitate the traditional winemaking method of “lagos abiertos”, where whole grapes are deposited in open vats and carbonic maceration takes place. The bodega has around 5,000 barrels in stock, mainly in French oak.
This wine is a medium-high depth wine andruby red in colour. It is powerful on the nose with aromas of ripe fruit accompanied by complex spicy and balsamic notes. It is very balanced on the palate, with ripe and sweet tannins, providing the wine with a long aftertaste. It is a very elegant Rioja classic and highly recommendable for the price of €8,90. I found it in the Corte Ingles but it is also available online.
(https://www.bodeboca.com/vino/hacienda-lopez-haro-reserva-2011).
Enjoy