Hacienda el Ternero Selección 2018

Hacienda el Ternero Selección is a Tempranillo from a historic Rioja Alta estate near Miranda de Ebro, the only winery in Castilla y León entitled to the Rioja appellation. The 250 hectare property traces back to the 11th century, when it was the farm of the Monastery of Herrera. Rioja Alta is the cooler, higher western reach of the region, where Atlantic influence and clay-limestone soils give Tempranillo its balance of fresh red fruit and savoury structure. The limestone holds water and reflects light, helping the grape ripen evenly while keeping acidity firm. This Crianza is aged 14 months in French oak, the classic Rioja path that trades the variety's bright fruit for gentle tannins and the leather, tobacco and sweet spice that come with measured barrel ageing and oxygen exchange. Expect a ruby colour with a garnet rim, a nose of red berries, cherry and dried herbs over leather and vanilla, and a medium-bodied palate at 13.5 per cent with a savoury, lightly grippy finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is a classic match for roast lamb, beef and hard Spanish cheese.