Montecillo Edición Limitada 2019

Montecillo was founded in 1870 by Celestino Navajas in Fuenmayor, in Rioja Alta, and has produced wine across more than 150 uninterrupted harvests. This limited edition blends Tempranillo, the backbone of Rioja, with a portion of Graciano, a grape that adds colour, acidity and aromatic lift. Rioja Alta sits at altitude on clay and limestone soils, with a cooler climate than the rest of the region that gives slow ripening, firm acidity and the structure needed for long ageing. The 2019 was aged twenty-six months in barrel and a further twenty-four months in bottle before release, the extended oak time allowing slow oxygen exchange that softens tannin and builds tertiary character, while bottle ageing lets the aromas settle and develop. The colour is deep cherry red with a garnet rim. The nose is layered, with ripe plum, red berries, black liquorice, sweet spice and the cedar, tobacco and leather of classic Rioja. The palate is medium to full bodied and elegant, with fine tannin, savoury fruit and a long, spiced finish. At 14 percent it is balanced and complete. Serve at 17 degrees with roast lamb, grilled beef or aged cheese.