Brilliant quality and exceptional value, barrel aged Rioja.
This Rioja combines great balance, approachable fruit, real depth, spice and minerality. The nose has lots of warm spice, ripe plum and cherry aromas while the palate is richly flavoured, and substantial with plenty of fruit and a smoky, spicy dimension from six months in oak.
Grapes are sourced from this family company's 200 hectares around Haro and Briones in Rioja Alta and the quality of the range stems from the excellence of the fruit from these vineyards. The first vintage was 2003 and the aim is to produce classic styles of Rioja which combine modern fruit with real substance and quality at sensible prices.
The fruit is hand harvested in early October. Predominantly from vineyards in Rioja Alta, around the towns of Haro and Briones. This is a great example of winemaking in the vineyard, where the high quality grapes are key to the final wine.
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 25-30° C with twice daily pumpovers. After 12 days fermentation on the skins the wine is gently pressed and racked to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. The wine is then racked to a mixture of American and Russian oak barrels for 6 months maturation and a smaller proportion is kept in barrel for 12-14 months, before being blended and bottled.
Perfect with a smoky barbequed steak with patatas bravas (spicy tapas potatoes), or a chunk of Manchego cheese. Or else hearty sausages and mash.
