Briego Adalid Reserva 2019

Briego Adalid Reserva is a limited release from D.O. Ribera del Duero, made entirely from Tempranillo grown on the La Nava vineyard. Ribera del Duero sits high on the Castilian plateau, where intense summer heat by day gives way to cold nights, and that wide diurnal range builds the deep colour, firm tannin and bright acidity that mark the region's Reservas, holding this wine to a measured 14% alcohol. Fermentation is run at a controlled 18 to 25 degrees to draw colour and structure from the skins without harshness. The ageing is extensive, in keeping with the Reserva category: ten months in French oak followed by six months in American oak, then a long twenty months resting in bottle. The barrel time allows slow oxygen exchange that knits the tannins and develops savoury, tertiary notes, while the bottle ageing further integrates the wine and softens its grip before release. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows dark cherry, ripe plum, tobacco and sweet oak spice, with a developing leather edge. The palate is full and structured, with firm but rounded tannins, savoury depth and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It calls for roast lamb or grilled beef.