Murua Reserva 2017

Murua Reserva is made by Bodegas Murua from its own estate in Rioja Alavesa, drawing on eight different plots. The blend is led by Tempranillo at 93 percent, with small amounts of Graciano for acidity and aroma and Mazuelo for colour and grip. Rioja Alavesa lies on the cooler, higher ground at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, on chalky clay soils that retain moisture and lend the wines their poise and freshness. After a controlled fermentation and maceration the wine goes through malolactic fermentation, which converts sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid and rounds the texture, before being run into French oak. It then ages for eighteen months in French and American oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange settles the tannins and the wood adds vanilla, sweet spice and the leather and tobacco character of classic Rioja. The colour is a mature ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows ripe red fruit, leather, dried herbs and toast, and the palate is medium to full bodied, elegant and savoury, with fine tannin and a long fresh finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. A natural with roast lamb.