Description

Lecea Caves | Rioja DO, Spain

Cuevas de Lecea Reserva is a traditional Rioja crafted by Bodegas Lecea in the historic village of San Asensio , Rioja Alta. Produced from old family vineyards and aged using traditional Rioja methods, the wine reflects the heritage, patience and authenticity that defines the Lecea family philosophy.

The grapes are sourced from carefully selected vineyards planted around San Asensio on limestone-clay soils strongly influenced by Atlantic freshness. The blend is predominantly Tempranillo , traditionally accompanied by small percentages of classic Rioja varieties such as Garnacha and Graciano , adding freshness, spice and aromatic complexity.

Following fermentation, the wine undergoes extended aging in oak barrels before continuing its evolution inside the family’s extraordinary 16th-century underground caves (calados) carved beneath the village of San Asensio. These naturally cool and humid tunnels provide ideal conditions for slow maturation and graceful bottle aging.

On the nose, Cuevas de Lecea Reserva reveals elegant aromas of dried red cherry, wild strawberry, tobacco leaf, cedar, leather and delicate balsamic notes layered with subtle vanilla and earthy spice. The palate is refined, savory and beautifully balanced with silky ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long persistent finish marked by traditional Rioja elegance rather than power.

This is Rioja in its most authentic and classical form — graceful, evolved and deeply connected to its history.

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🍇 Key Details

• Region: DOCa. Rioja (Spain)
• Classification: Reserve Red Wine
• Grapes: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo
• Aging: 20 month aging in oak barrels and 12 month in bottles, in historic underground caves
• Alcohol: 14% Vol.
• Style: Traditional, elegant, mature
• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
• Contains Sulfites

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🍷 Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Garnet red with brick-red reflections
• Aroma: Dried cherry, tobacco leaf, cedar, leather, balsamic notes and sweet spice
• Palate: Elegant and savory with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long mature finish

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🍽 Food Pairing

• Roast lamb
• Slow-cooked beef dishes
• Iberian pork
• Mature Manchego cheese
• Mushroom and truffle dishes

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💎 Why We Love It

A beautifully traditional Rioja Reserva that captures the soul of old Rioja through elegance, maturity and authentic underground cave ageing.

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About the Producer

Bodegas Lecea is a historic family winery located in the famous Barrio de las Bodegas in San Asensio , Rioja Alta. The Lecea family has produced wine for generations and remains deeply committed to preserving traditional Rioja winemaking techniques and historic vineyard culture.

One of the winery’s most notable features is its network of more than 300 meters of underground caves and cellars dating back to the 16th century , where wines are still aged under naturally cool and humid conditions. These caves, carved directly into the rock beneath San Asensio, form an essential part of the winery’s identity and contribute significantly to the aging process of their wines.

Bodegas Lecea continues to use many traditional methods including manual grape handling, concrete fermentation tanks and long aging periods that prioritize elegance, freshness and balance over extraction or excessive oak influence.

Today the winery is led by siblings Luis, Jorge and Estela Lecea , who combine respect for Rioja heritage with a more personal and expressive approach to winemaking. Their wines reflect authenticity, history and the unique character of San Asensio terroir.

Cuevas de Lecea Reserva perfectly captures this philosophy — timeless Rioja with soul, elegance and deep historical roots.

Explore more in our Red wine collection.