Baron de Ley 7 Viñas Reserva 2017

Baron de Ley 7 Viñas Reserva is a multi-variety Rioja Reserva from D.O.Ca. Rioja, drawing on Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuela, Garnacha Tinta and Blanca, Viura and Malvasía. The winery is housed in a sixteenth-century Benedictine monastery in the village of Mendavia in Navarra, with more than six hundred hectares of vineyards planted to a wide spread of varieties, which is what makes a seven-grape field-style blend possible. Co-fermenting and blending across several grapes is an old Rioja tradition: each variety contributes something, with Tempranillo for fruit and structure, Graciano and Mazuela for acidity and grip, and the whites for lift. The wine is aged for thirty-six months across different barrels and a further twelve months in large foudres, a long oxidative ageing that softens the tannins and develops the leather, tobacco and dried-fruit notes typical of mature Rioja. From the 2017 vintage it is already showing this savoury complexity. Expect a ruby colour with a garnet rim, a nose of black raspberry, black cherry, vanilla, leather and tobacco, and a medium to full palate with fine, resolved tannin and a long savoury finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanting briefly. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game.