Muriel Reserva Vino de Elciego 2020

Bodegas Muriel produces this Reserva from Tempranillo grown in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, on calcareous soils poor in organic matter. Those lean, chalky soils restrict vigour and concentrate the fruit, while the higher, cooler sites keep acidity firm and tannins fine. Vines are mainly trained as bush vines, the traditional glass method. Fermentation and maceration run for fifteen days in stainless steel, with daily pumping over to draw good colour and tannin from the skins. The wine is then aged for twenty four months in French and American oak. That extended barrel ageing softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and develops tertiary character, the vanilla and sweet spice of the wood giving way to leather, tobacco and dried fruit. The colour is deep ruby with garnet tints. The nose shows soft vanilla, delicate spice and ripe cherry and plum, with a savoury, cigar-box depth. The palate is medium to full bodied, smooth and well integrated, with a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a large red glass. It suits roast lamb and aged hard cheese.