A village wine that captures the character of Pedrosa de Duero
Carmelo Rodero RAZA 2022 is a red wine from the Ribera del Duero D.O., made from 100% Tempranillo grown in the vineyards of Pedrosa de Duero, Burgos. Its identity is rooted in the vineyard plots surrounding this village, situated at over 800 metres above sea level, and in its 21 months of ageing in new French oak barrels.
RAZA was created around the concept of a village wine, bringing together the distinctive character of different vineyard sites across Pedrosa de Duero. It is a red wine that combines concentration, structure and elegance, with a freshness that is particularly impressive given its intensity and extended oak ageing.
Tempranillo from the vineyards of Pedrosa de Duero
The grapes come from vineyards situated between 837 and 862 metres above sea level, predominantly on clay soils. The vines are between 30 and 35 years old on average, trained using both trellis systems and traditional bush-vine methods.
The origin of the grapes is essential to understanding this wine. The vineyard areas of Quintana, Boada, Guzmán and Pedrosa represent different parts of the municipality, allowing the winery to create a wine that reflects the character of the wider area rather than a single vineyard.
The combination of altitude, soil composition and careful vineyard selection provides grapes with the structure needed for extended ageing, while maintaining a balance between concentration and freshness.
The 2022 vintage: drought and high temperatures
The 2022 growing season was marked by challenging weather conditions. Low rainfall and high temperatures throughout much of the growing cycle resulted in different rates of ripening across the vineyard plots.
These conditions called for a carefully planned, selective harvest carried out in stages, allowing each vineyard to be picked at the right moment. Despite the difficult weather, the grapes arrived at the winery in excellent condition, with remarkable concentration.
The grapes were harvested by hand, with selection carried out directly in the vineyard. This approach allowed each plot to be picked according to its individual development, preserving the balance of ripeness, structure and freshness that defines RAZA 2022.
Gravity-fed winemaking and 21 months in French oak
The wine is produced using the OVI gravity-fed winemaking system, which minimises mechanical movement and unnecessary handling of the grapes. This approach is particularly valuable when the aim is to preserve the integrity of the fruit and respect the individual characteristics of each vineyard plot.
Following vinification, the wine spends 21 months in new 225-litre French oak barrels. This extended ageing period helps develop its structure, integrate the tannins and add further complexity.
New oak barrels have a significant influence on the wine, making the balance between the wood, the fruit and the natural concentration of Tempranillo especially important. The aim is to produce a red wine with depth and personality, without sacrificing elegance or freshness.
Carmelo Rodero RAZA 2022 was bottled in August 2024 and has an alcohol content of 15% ABV. Winemaking is overseen by oenologist Beatriz Rodero.
A Ribera del Duero for those who appreciate elegance and structure
RAZA is particularly appealing to those who enjoy oak-aged Ribera del Duero reds but are looking for more than sheer power. It brings together the concentration of the 2022 vintage with a silky texture and refreshing character that provide balance.
Within the Carmelo Rodero range, this wine shares the same commitment to quality as expressions such as Pago de Valtarreña and TSM, while developing its own identity around the concept of a village wine.
For wine enthusiasts, it also offers an interesting example of how grapes from different vineyard plots within the same village can come together to create a distinctive expression of Tempranillo.
How to serve RAZA 2022 and what to pair it with
We recommend serving it at approximately 16–18°C, preferably in a generously sized wine glass that allows its aromas to develop. Given its structure and 21 months of oak ageing, it may benefit from moderate aeration before serving.
Its character makes it particularly well suited to grilled meats, thick-cut steaks and roast meats, as recommended by the winery itself. It also pairs beautifully with roast lamb, hearty meat stews and mature cheeses.
At Licorea, we consider Carmelo Rodero RAZA 2022 a particularly interesting choice for those seeking a Ribera del Duero with a strong sense of place. Its Pedrosa de Duero vineyards, carefully selected hand-harvested grapes and 21 months in French oak make it an excellent wine to enjoy with a special meal or as part of a tasting dedicated to outstanding Tempranillo reds.
