María Remírez de Ganuza Reserva 2019

María Remírez de Ganuza Reserva is a red from D.O.Ca. Rioja, the most personal cuvée of Bodega Remírez de Ganuza, made as a tribute to María, the late sister of founder Fernando Remírez de Ganuza, with sales given to the Down Syndrome Association. It is built from Tempranillo at 93 per cent and Graciano at 7 per cent grown in the Finca Viña Coqueta at Samaniego in Rioja Alavesa, a parcel that ripens later than the rest of the estate. This high, cool sub-zone on chalky clay over limestone widens the day-to-night swing, holding acidity and lending the fruit a fresh, mineral edge, while the small share of Graciano adds colour, structure and dark aromatics. The wine spends twenty-two months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange settles the firm tannins, adds spice and vanilla and develops savoury complexity. The colour is deep, dense ruby. The nose is black cherry and plum over vanilla, tobacco, spice and earth. The palate is full and powerful, with ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, structured finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead, with roast lamb or grilled red meat.