2021 Carmelo Rodero Raza.
With the 2021 vintage, Carmelo Rodero has released Raza, which forms a tribute to the roots and identity of Pedrosa de Duero. This wine is a pure expression of its homeland, crafted exclusively from vineyards within the village itself. The name Raza—meaning “race” or “lineage”—reflects the strength and character of Pedrosa’s terroir, reinforcing the winery’s deep connection to its origins.
Despite being a new addition to Carmelo Rodero’s portfolio, Raza follows the same meticulous approach that defines their most prestigious wines, such as Pago de Valtarreña and TSM. In essence it is a whole new take on what Carmelo Rodero used to release under its Reserva label.
The wine offers a modern yet refined interpretation of Tempranillo, balancing freshness and intensity, structure and elegance. Vibrant and polished, Raza 2021 is both a tribute to the past and a bold step into the future.
About the Winery
If you would like to learn more about Carmelo Rodero’s wines check out our profile on the winery, including reviews of a broad selection of their wines. This article also includes a review of the last vintage (2020) of the winery’s Reserva, which is re-designed and followed up by this 2021 Raza.
About the Vineyard and Winemaking
The Raza 2021 is a “village wine,” meaning it is produced solely from grapes grown in Pedrosa de Duero, specifically from five key vineyard plots: Quintana, Boada, Valcabado, Guzmán, and Pedrosa. These sites, sitting at altitudes of 837 to 862 meters, contribute to the wine’s complexity, blending diverse microclimates and soil compositions into a singular expression.
The vineyards are composed mainly of clay soils, offering excellent water retention and ensuring balanced ripening even in drier years. The vines, averaging 30 to 35 years old, are cultivated using both trellising and goblet training methods. Harvesting is done manually, with a strict selection process in the vineyard to ensure only the highest-quality fruit is used.
The winemaking process is gravity-fed (OVI system), preserving the purity of the fruit and avoiding unnecessary mechanical stress. The wine is aged for 20 months in new 225L French oak barrels, further refining its structure and aromatics before being bottled in August 2023.
About the Vintage
The 2021 vintage in Ribera del Duero presented both challenges and rewards. The year began with the Filomena squall, a winter storm that brought heavy snowfall and rain, ensuring good water reserves in the soils. However, the summer was dry and warm, with minimal rainfall. This placed some stress on the vines, but the deep clay soils helped retain moisture, allowing the grapes to reach full ripeness.
Despite the climatic challenges, the harvest was classified as excellent, producing grapes with remarkable concentration, freshness, and balance. The low humidity and extreme weather variations ultimately contributed to an elegant yet powerful wine, marked by vibrant acidity and structured tannins, suggesting strong ageing potential.
About the Wine
From the first pour, Raza 2021 captivates with its deep, inky color and an aromatic complexity that demands attention. The nose bursts with layers of ripe black fruits—blackberries and plums—interwoven with floral hints of violet, earthy graphite, and aromatic herbs like rosemary. Subtle spices from the oak aging, such as vanilla and nutmeg, provide an additional layer of refinement.
On the palate, the wine is silky yet powerful, with a rich, enveloping texture that coats the mouth. The balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins is impeccable, delivering both immediate pleasure and the promise of long-term ageing. The finish is long and flavorful, leaving a lingering impression of dark fruit, spice, and finely integrated oak.
Pairing suggestions: This wine is a natural match for grilled meats, premium steaks, and slow-roasted dishes, where its depth and structure can truly shine. While already enjoyable in its youth, Raza 2021 will undoubtedly evolve beautifully over the next decade or more.
A masterful expression of Pedrosa de Duero’s terroir, this wine embodies both tradition and innovation—an essential bottle for collectors and lovers of Ribera del Duero Tempranillo.
We award this wine a 96-point DWA score.
This review is written by our own Niels Aarts. Carmelo Rodero is imported in the Netherlands by Heisterkamp Dranken en Wijnkopers, and selected retail and hospitality partners.
Price: €40,00
Taste Date: February 2024
Score: 96/100 DWA Score
Website: Bodegas Carmelo Rodero