200 Monges Reserva 2014

200 Monges Reserva is a Rioja red from Bodega Vinícola Real, blending Tempranillo with smaller proportions of Graciano and Garnacha drawn from very old vines. The harvest is done by hand into fifteen kilo boxes so the fruit reaches the winery intact, which protects against premature oxidation and unwanted fermentation before crushing. The grapes are destemmed and fermented in Allier oak vats for eleven days at 24 to 28 degrees, with extended skin contact to extract colour and the firm tannin structure a Reserva needs to age. The wine then spends twenty four months in a mix of French and American oak. The American barrels contribute vanilla and coconut, the French add finer spice, and the long élevage allows slow oxygen exchange that builds the leather and tobacco notes of a classic Rioja. The colour is mature ruby with a garnet rim. The nose offers red cherry, dried strawberry, vanilla and sweet tobacco over a savoury, earthy base. The palate is medium to full bodied, balanced and supple, the tannins resolved by bottle age into a long finish. Serve at 17 degrees with roast lamb or aged cheese.