Don Jacobo Rioja Reserva

A Classic Rioja along the Compostela

Don Jacobo Rioja Reserva was Johan Cruyff's favorite wine, according to the men at the sports store. Smit Cruijff here in the Jordaan in Amsterdam. And they should know; Johan worked in the shop there. As an Amsterdam wine merchant, we are proud to have this wine in our assortment.

Vanilla, cherries, cinnamon, and spices – those are the first aromas you will notice in this wine. Don Jacobo Rioja Reserva is a powerful wine and an epitome of what a classic Rioja Reserva should be. This wine comes from the Rioja Alta, generally considered the top region within Rioja, Spain.

The vineyards are situated along the iconic pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela – hence the name Don Jacobo. This wine beautifully combines power and elegance. For lovers of traditional Riojas aged in American oak, this is an excellent choice. The low yield per hectare results in concentrated, high-quality fruit. Made from Tempranillo and Garnacha.

How does Don Jacobo taste and what pairs with it?

This Reserva is soft and refined, with mild tannins that are beautifully integrated. You taste dark fruit, spices, and the characteristic wood of American oak. The warm vanilla notes add depth and make the whole complex. The acidity provides freshness, while the finish is powerful and long-lasting. Harold Hamersma describes it as “beneficence, richness, strength, and concentration.” Serve the wine at room temperature for the best result.

Perfect with:

• Grilled or roasted red meat

• Leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic

• Hearty stews such as oxtail

• Mature cheeses, for example Manchego

• Paella with chorizo

• Grilled sirloin steak

The Don Jacobo Rioja Reserva elevates every meal to a higher level.

The story behind Bodegas Corral – Don Jacobo

Bodegas Corral is located in the heart of Rioja, near Logroño. In 1898, it planted Saturnino Daroca the first vines in Sojuela. After the marriage of his daughter to Martín Corral the winery received its current name. What makes this house unique is that it is the only bodega in La Rioja located directly on the pilgrim route – the Ruta Jacobea - is.

The bodega features 40 hectare own vineyards in Rioja Alta. After manual harvesting, the grapes are carefully fermented, preceded by skin maceration.

A conscious and sustainable choice

The Don Jacobo Rioja Reserva ages 24 months on American oak, followed by once again 18 months bottle aging in the cellar. This prolonged aging gives the wine its classic Rioja character. Moreover, all wines are 100% vegan certifiedThe bodega is also certified with the label. Wineries for Climate ProtectionThey are committed to sustainability through, among other things, the reduction of greenhouse gases, responsible water use, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy.

Award-winning and reviewed

• Perswijn: 15.5/17 points

• Harold Hamersma: 8.5 – “Benefit, wealth, strength and concentration”

• Certifications: 100% Vegan & Wineries for Climate Protection