Hermanos Peciña Finca Iscorta Gran Reserva 2015

Hermanos Peciña farms vineyards at San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in the Rioja Alta subzone of Rioja, an area with a long winemaking tradition and family cellars built beneath the village homes. This Finca Iscorta Gran Reserva is built on Tempranillo with Garnacha Tinta and Graciano, grown organically on the clay limestone soils of the Sonsierra. The cooler, Atlantic influenced climate of Rioja Alta and the swing between warm days and cool nights preserve acidity and let the fruit ripen slowly. Gran Reserva is the longest aged Rioja category, made only in stronger vintages: this 2015 spends four years in oak barrels before release, where extended oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins, fixes colour and develops the mature, savoury character of classic Rioja. Further time in bottle rounds the wine before it reaches the market. The colour is deep cherry with garnet highlights. The nose moves from ripe plum and cherry to dried fig, leather, tobacco and sweet vanilla spice. The palate is full but supple, with soft, resolved tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at seventeen degrees, decanting ahead. It suits roast lamb, game and mature cheese.