Ederra Reserva 2018

Ederra Reserva is a monovarietal Tempranillo from D.O.Ca. Rioja, made by Bodegas Bilbaínas, one of Spain's most historic wineries. Established in 1859 in the heart of Rioja Alta, in the Barrio de Haro, the house has a long record of recognition, including being named supplier to the Spanish Royal Household in 1925. Rioja Alta lies at altitude on chalky clay soils, where cool nights and a long growing season give Tempranillo bright red fruit, fresh acidity and the structure to age well. This Reserva is aged eighteen months in American oak followed by a year in bottle. American oak is the classic Rioja choice and gives the wine its signature vanilla, sweet spice and toffee character, while the slow oxygen exchange in barrel softens the tannins and develops leather and tobacco. From the 2020 vintage it shows that traditional balance of fruit and oak. Expect a ruby colour with a garnet rim, a nose of red cherry, raspberry, vanilla and gentle leather, and a medium to full palate with smooth, resolved tannin and a savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting briefly. It is a fine match for roast lamb, grilled beef and roast poultry.