Faustino V Reserva 2019

Faustino V Reserva is a red from D.O.Ca. Rioja made by Bodegas Faustino, blending Tempranillo at around 90 percent with Mazuelo. The grapes ferment for about ten days below 29 degrees, then macerate on their skins for roughly 20 days to build colour and tannin before pressing. The wine ages 16 months in American white oak barrels from Missouri, the porous American wood giving the sweet vanilla, coconut and dill that mark traditional Rioja, while the slow oxygen exchange through the barrel softens the Tempranillo tannin and develops savoury, mellow character. It then rests a further two years in bottle before release, the long maturation drawing out the leather and tobacco notes of a true Reserva. The colour is mid ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows ripe cherry, sweet vanilla and toast, with leather, tobacco and dried herb from age. The palate is medium bodied and balanced at 13.5 percent, the tannins resolved and the oak well integrated, with a coffee and savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. A natural with roast lamb and aged cheese.