Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 2019

Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva is a traditional red from D.O.Ca. Rioja, blending Tempranillo with Mazuela and Graciano from old vines of more than thirty years. Rioja's climate is moderated by altitude and the shelter of the surrounding mountains, giving balanced, elegant reds built for long ageing rather than power. The Gran Reserva category demands the most maturation of all, and here the wine spends thirty two months in American oak followed by a further three years in bottle. American oak imparts the sweeter vanilla and coconut spice characteristic of classic Rioja, while the extended barrel and bottle ageing slowly builds the tertiary, savoury complexity, the leather and dried herb notes, that defines the style. The colour is medium cherry red with a garnet, brick rim. The nose shows mellow red and dark fruit, leather, tobacco, sweet vanilla and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and supple at 14% alcohol, with fine, resolved tannin, a savoury core and a long, elegant finish. This is a wine for the table rather than for cellaring further. Serve at 17 degrees, in a wide glass. It is a natural partner for roast meats.