Beronia Reserva 2020

Beronia Reserva is a traditional Rioja from a winery in the heart of Rioja Alta, now part of the González Byass group. It blends Tempranillo as the backbone with Graciano and Mazuelo, grown in a moderately continental climate tempered by Cantabrian influence, where the marked swing between warm days and cool nights holds acidity and lengthens ripening for balanced, aromatic fruit. Graciano lends freshness and floral lift while Mazuelo adds colour and tannic grip. The wine ages twenty months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. Beronia is known for assembling its own barrels from mixed French and American staves, and the long Reserva ageing softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange while layering in vanilla, sweet spice and the savoury, leathery complexity of classic Rioja. The wine is bright ruby red. The nose offers ripe red fruit such as cherry and raspberry over vanilla, tobacco, leather and a peppery oak spice. The palate is medium to full, smooth and well balanced, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish in the traditional mould. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting briefly, alongside roast lamb, grilled meats, mushroom dishes and aged cheese.