Diez-Caballero Reserva 2017

Diez-Caballero Reserva is made by a small family winery in Elciego, Alava, in the Rioja Alavesa heart of D.O.Ca. Rioja. The estate turned from bulk wine to bottling under its own name in 1979 and is now run by the founders' children, working 25 hectares spread across several plots. The wine is single-variety Tempranillo, suited to the area's clay-limestone soils and cooler, Atlantic-influenced climate, which give fresh acidity and a savoury fruit profile rather than overripe weight. As a Reserva it sees long ageing: eighteen months in French oak barrels followed by extended time in bottle before release. The barrel stage softens the tannin through slow oxygen exchange and layers in vanilla, cedar and spice, while the bottle ageing develops tertiary tobacco, leather and dried-herb complexity. It is ruby with a garnet rim. The nose is ripe plum and cherry with vanilla, sweet spice, tobacco and a savoury, earthy depth. The palate is medium to full and mellow, the tannin soft and resolved, finishing long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast meat, game and mushrooms.