Finca Valpiedra Reserva 2018

Finca Valpiedra is a single estate of eighty hectares sitting in a meander of the Ebro river in Rioja, planted on the gravel and stony terraces the river has laid down over time. The Reserva is led by Tempranillo at 94%, with small parts of Graciano and Maturana Tinta. The well-drained river-terrace soils and the continental Rioja climate, with hot days and cool nights, ripen the Tempranillo slowly and hold its acidity, giving an elegant rather than heavy style. After fermentation the wine ages for twenty-two months in new French oak barrels, where long, slow oxygen exchange through the wood polishes the tannins and adds vanilla, sweet spice and a cedary frame, while the Graciano contributes colour, freshness and a savoury lift. It is deep ruby, with a nose of ripe red and dark fruit, leather, tobacco and toasted oak. The palate is structured and fine, with firm but ripe tannins and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant young bottles. It is a classic match for roast lamb and aged cheese.