Glorioso Reserva 2021

Glorioso Reserva is made by Bodegas Palacio, founded in 1894 by Cosme Palacio in the Rioja. This single variety Tempranillo is drawn from selected vineyards in the Rioja Alavesa, a cooler, higher corner of the appellation where clay limestone soils and the shelter of the Sierra de Cantabria favour slow, even ripening and firm acidity. The grapes are harvested at optimum ripeness and held in cold stainless steel vats before fermentation, a cool soak that fixes colour and fresh fruit aromatics. The wine is then aged twenty two months in French oak barrels, a long Reserva ageing where steady oxygen exchange through the staves polishes the tannins, develops leather and dried fruit complexity and lays in vanilla and clove from the wood. The colour is mature cherry red. The nose shows ripe dark fruit, prune and raisin, over vanilla, clove and a delicate undertone of leather. The palate is medium to full bodied, smooth and well defined, with rounded tannin and a savoury, lingering finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is a classic match for roast lamb and grilled meats.