Herenza Reserva Kosher 2019

Herenza Reserva is a kosher Rioja from Elvi Wines, made at Bodegas Castillo de Sajazarra from Tempranillo grown entirely in the estate's Los Majuelos vineyard. Single-vineyard sourcing gives a consistent site signature, here from Rioja Alta's calcareous clay soils and continental climate, where warm days and cool nights ripen Tempranillo while preserving acidity. The harvest finishes in early October, and the hand-picked grapes are destemmed and gently moved by peristaltic pump to protect the fruit before a temperature-controlled fermentation. As a Reserva the wine ages 20 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels; American oak tends to add coconut and sweeter vanilla, while French oak brings finer spice, and the slow oxygen exchange of barrel ageing rounds the tannin. The colour is deep ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows ripe red berries, plum, vanilla and cocoa, with leather and clove developing behind. The palate is medium to full bodied, the tannin supple and the finish savoury and warm. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits roast and grilled red meats.