Rioja Bordón Reserva 2018

Bodegas Franco-Españolas was founded in 1890, when phylloxera forced French winemakers to look for new vineyards in La Rioja. That Franco-Spanish union brought modern winemaking techniques of the day to the region and produced fine Rioja wines admired worldwide. Rioja Bordón Reserva is a classic blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo, the traditional varieties of D.O.Ca. Rioja. The region's clay-limestone soils and the moderating influence of the Atlantic and the Ebro valley give Tempranillo its balance of fruit, acidity and structure. As a Reserva, the wine spends 18 months in French and American oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and builds tertiary character, the American oak contributing vanilla and sweet spice while bottle ageing develops savoury, leathery complexity. The colour is mature cherry red with ruby highlights. The nose is layered, with red fruit, cherry, vanilla, leather and tobacco over dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and balanced, with fine, resolved tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It is a classic partner for roast lamb and aged sheep's cheese.