Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva 2019

Hacienda López de Haro Reserva is a Rioja from San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in the higher western Rioja Alta, blending Graciano with Tempranillo. The vines grow on the poor soils of the Ebro river terraces, farmed by hand with a focus on sustainability. The cooler, higher sites of Rioja Alta, with their continental climate and wide day-to-night temperature range, lengthen ripening and preserve the acidity and freshness that mark a classic Reserva. The Graciano in the blend is significant: it is a high-acid, deeply coloured variety that brings freshness, structure and a floral, peppery lift to the rounder Tempranillo. The wine then ages for twenty months in a mix of French and American oak. The longer barrel time and the slow oxidation it brings are what build the tertiary character, softening tannins and adding leather, tobacco and spice, while American oak contributes vanilla and French oak fine cedar. It shows a ruby hue with a brick-red rim from extended ageing, a nose of ripe cherry and plum with leather and sweet spice, and a savoury, balanced palate with fine tannin. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting briefly. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheese.