Chivite Colección 125 Reserva 2021

Chivite is one of Spain's oldest wine houses, and this Reserva belongs to its Colección 125 range, named for the firm's long history of export. The single-varietal Tempranillo comes from the Legardeta estate, around 40 kilometres south-west of Pamplona in the D.O. Navarra. Although the site lies in the cooler north of the Iberian Peninsula, it ripens the fruit steadily without overripeness, the moderating northern climate preserving acidity and a measured, fresh fruit profile. The grapes are fermented and then aged for seventeen months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and adds sweet spice, vanilla and a fine toast, while the extended time in wood builds the savoury complexity expected of a Reserva. It is bright cherry red, with ripe red and dark fruit on the nose lifted by sweet spice, dried herbs and a touch of leather. The palate is medium to full bodied, elegant and fresh, with fine-grained tannins and a long, balanced finish. At 13 percent alcohol it stays measured and food friendly. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting briefly, with roast lamb, beef or game.