Familia Torres Reserva Real 2022

Familia Torres Reserva Real comes from the D.O. Penedès in Catalonia, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grown inland from the Mediterranean coast. The Penedès climate is the key to its style: warm Mediterranean days ripen the Cabernet fully, while cooling influence from altitude and sea breezes lengthens the growing season and keeps acidity and aromatic detail in the fruit, so the wine is ripe but structured. The Bordeaux trio brings cassis and backbone from Cabernet Sauvignon, aromatic lift from Cabernet Franc and flesh from Merlot. The wine is aged for eighteen months in French Nevers oak barrels, prized for a tight grain that allows slow, measured oxygen exchange, which softens the firm tannins and folds in cedar, fine spice and a thread of cocoa and vanilla without smothering the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows blackberry, plum and black cherry, then tobacco, cocoa and sweet spice. The palate is full and structured, the tannins firm but polished by barrel ageing, leading to a long, savoury finish. This rewards cellaring. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted ahead, with roast beef or lamb.