Finca Balzarra Rioja Reserva 2018
A proper Rioja Reserva — three years aged, at least one of them in American oak, from an estate we spent weeks in La Rioja to find. Bright strawberry and raspberry on the nose with a whisper of liquorice spice. Medium-bodied and fruit-forward on the palate, juicy red berries, a soft and easy finish. Approachable now and good through to 2040.
"The Finca Balzarra is proper Rioja — smooth, rich, everything you'd want from a Reserva. At this price, it's ridiculous value."
★★★★★James T. — Verified Member
£11.66 a bottle at every quantity — buy one or buy twelve, the price per bottle never changes. Comparable price £40.99*.
🎁 Includes free 3 day trial membership. Annual membership of £119 charged after free trial unless cancelled in advance.
About this wine
Tasting notes
- Nose
- Bright strawberry and raspberry, with a whisper of liquorice spice.
- Palate
- Medium-bodied and fruit-forward, with juicy red berries.
- Finish
- Soft and easy.
Serve at around 16–18°C. Approachable now and ideal with light to medium dishes — roast chicken, charcuterie, a Sunday roast.
How it's made
Reserva is a legal ageing category, not a marketing word. Under Rioja DOCa rules a red Reserva must spend a minimum of three years maturing before release, at least twelve months of that in oak barrel. This 2018 is aged three years, at least one of them in American oak.
That time is what you taste. Oak barrel ageing softens the tannins and knits the fruit and spice together, which is why a Reserva drinks rounder and calmer than a young Rioja of the same fruit.
We wanted our own Rioja Reserva, so we spent weeks in the region meeting its producers. The estate we chose sells wine under its own name at several times this price, and asked us not to name it — so we can't. What we can tell you is the grapes, the appellation and the ageing, and they are all on this page.
The detail
| Wine | Finca Balzarra Rioja Reserva 2018 |
|---|---|
| Producer | Finca Balzarra |
| Region | Rioja DOCa, La Rioja, Spain |
| Style | Red — dry, medium-bodied, Rioja Reserva |
| Grapes | Tempranillo |
| Winemaking | Aged three years, at least one of them in American oak |
| ABV | 14% |
| Bottle | 750ml |
| Drinking window | Now – 2040 |
Member ratings
This wine is bottled exclusively for Winedrops, so it isn't submitted for critic review. What we can show you is how our own members rate it after drinking it.
| Finca Balzarra Rioja Reserva 2018 | 4.1/5 from 489 member ratings |
| Winedrops overall | 4.8/5 from 45,000+ members |
Why it's £11.66
We buy direct from the estate, so there are fewer hands between the cellar and your door — and our members pay trade prices. Our profit comes from membership, not from the wine. It's the same Tempranillo, the same Rioja DOCa appellation and the same three years' ageing, at £11.66 instead of a comparable £40.99.
Delivery, returns & membership
Free next-day delivery on every order, fully insured. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you don't love a bottle, we'll refund it — no questions asked.
Your order includes a 3-day free trial of Winedrops Membership, giving you access to premium wines at up to 80% off. Membership is £10/month (billed annually at £119) after the trial. Cancel anytime — no questions asked.