Cosme Palacio Tinto 1894 2020

Cosme Palacio Tinto 1894 is made by Bodegas Palacio in Laguardia, in the Rioja Alavesa, and takes its name from the year the winery was founded. This is a single variety Tempranillo from old vines in one of Rioja's most favoured zones. Laguardia sits on chalky, limestone rich clay soils at altitude, which slow ripening and lend the wine freshness and a firm acid line behind the ripe fruit, here carrying 14.5% alcohol. The wine ages fifteen months in 500 litre French oak barrels, a Crianza that favours the tighter grain and slower oxygen exchange of French wood over the more overt sweetness of American oak, giving measured spice and a supple texture. Tempranillo supplies the red berry and plum core and the savoury character that defines classic Rioja. The colour is a deep ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows red berry, plum and vanilla, with tobacco, sweet oak spice and a herbal undertone. The palate is full bodied, with ripe firm tannin, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant thirty minutes ahead. It is a natural match for roast lamb and grilled red meats.