CM Prestigio by Carlos Moro 2017

CM Prestigio is made by Bodega Carlos Moro in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in the Rioja Alta and Alavesa heartland. Founded in 2014 after a long search for the best sites by soil, climate and vine age, the winery pairs modern facilities with traditional knowledge. The wine is Tempranillo from those selected old vineyards, where calcareous clay soils retain water through the dry summers and the cool nights of the Sierra de Cantabria preserve acidity and colour. This is a ripe, modern Rioja at 14 per cent, built for structure. Ageing runs to eighteen months in a mix of French and American oak: the French barrels add cedar and fine spice, the American add vanilla and a sweeter, rounder tone, and the slow oxygen exchange of barrel time knits the tannins into a polished frame. The colour is deep ruby with a violet edge. The nose shows ripe black plum and cherry over dark chocolate, vanilla, tobacco and liquorice. The palate is full and firm, with ripe, fine-grained tannin, integrated oak and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It suits grilled red meat and roast lamb.