Campo Viejo Reserva 2019

Campo Viejo draws the fruit for this Reserva from vineyards across D.O.Ca. Rioja, spanning Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja. The blend is led by Tempranillo at 85 percent, with Graciano adding acidity and aromatic lift and Mazuelo bringing colour and structure. Rioja Alta and Alavesa sit at higher, cooler elevations on calcareous clay, which favours freshness and finer tannins, while the warmer Baja zone contributes riper fruit and body. Harvest and winemaking follow conventional methods. The wine is matured for eighteen months in a combination of French and American oak, a long enough spell in barrel to soften tannins through slow oxygen exchange and to layer in vanilla, clove and a sweet, toasty character. Bottle age then knits these together. The colour is deep ruby with garnet at the rim. The nose offers ripe red and black fruit, dried flowers, orange peel and a hint of spice and chocolate. The palate is medium to full bodied, rounded and savoury, finishing on cedar and cocoa. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It pairs naturally with roast lamb and aged cheese.