Arnegui Reserva 2019

Arnegui Reserva is a single varietal Tempranillo from D.O.Ca. Rioja, made by Pagos del Rey from grapes hand harvested from old, low yielding vineyards in Rioja Alta. Old vines crop less and give a more balanced, concentrated fruit than younger plantings, which underpins the wine's structure and depth at a balanced 13.5% alcohol. Rioja Alta is the region's coolest, highest subzone, with an Atlantic influence that keeps acidity fresh. In the cellar the grapes are cold macerated for a couple of days before fermentation to draw out colour, fruit aromatics and fine tannin, then fermented at a controlled 26 to 28 degrees. As a Reserva it ages 18 months in American oak barrels, the oak that gives classic Rioja its coconut and sweet vanilla spice, while barrel and bottle ageing soften the tannin and add savoury, leathery complexity. The colour is medium ruby with a garnet rim. The nose shows red cherry and berries over vanilla, liquorice, tobacco and cedar. The palate is medium bodied and smooth, with supple tannin, fresh acidity and a savoury, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is a natural match for roast lamb.