Box 3 Bottles Palacio Remondo La Montesa Gift

La Montesa is the Rioja project of Álvaro Palacios, made at the family estate of Palacios Remondo in the warmer, southern Rioja Baja alongside his sister Chelo. The blend is led by Garnacha with other local red grapes, farmed organically. This part of Rioja is warmer and drier than the west, and its calcareous clay soils and Mediterranean influence give a red that is generous and rounded, with ripe red fruit and a supple frame. The wine is aged twelve months in a mix of French and American oak, a classic crianza regime. Malolactic fermentation and slow oxygen exchange through the barrel soften the tannins, while American oak in particular lends sweet spice and vanilla. The colour is medium ruby. The nose shows red berries, cherry and plum over dried herbs, cracked pepper and a light vanilla note from the wood. The palate is medium bodied and smooth, with fresh acidity, fine tannin and a savoury, spiced finish. Serve it at 16 to 17 degrees in a medium glass. This wine is offered as a three bottle gift box, and suits roast lamb, pork and hard cheeses.