La Montesa Reserva Selección Especial 2020

La Montesa Reserva Selección Especial comes from Bodegas Palacios Remondo, run by Álvaro Palacios in the warm, eastern part of Rioja. It is a blend of Garnacha with Tempranillo and Mazuelo, grown at around 550 metres at the foot of Mount Yerga in Alfaro, in Rioja Oriental. The soils are mainly limestone and clay, with many stones that radiate warmth and aid drainage, while the altitude brings cool nights that hold acidity and keep the Garnacha fresh despite the region's warmth. After fermentation the wine ages for sixteen months in a mix of French and American oak barrels; the American oak adds sweeter vanilla and coconut tones, the French a finer spice, while slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins and deepens the colour. The result is garnet-red. The nose is ripe and savoury, with red berry, plum and a peppery, Garnacha-driven lift over vanilla, liquorice and gentle leather. The palate is medium to full bodied, with round tannins, fresh acidity and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting half an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled red meat and hard sheep's cheese.