Señorío de P. Peciña Gran Reserva 2016

Bodegas Hermanos Pecina makes this Gran Reserva in the Rioja Alta in a traditional style. The blend is mostly Tempranillo with small amounts of Graciano and Garnacha, the grapes drawn from the estate's oldest, low-yielding vineyards. After fermentation at a controlled 26 to 27 degrees, the wine is aged for 48 months in American oak barrels, with periodic racking from barrel to barrel. This long oxidative ageing in American oak, which is more porous and aromatic than French oak, is the hallmark of classic Rioja: it softens the tannins, develops tertiary character and adds the vanilla and toffee spice that mark the style. The Rioja Alta's altitude, clay-limestone soils and Atlantic-influenced climate give the fruit the freshness to carry this much wood. The wine pours a mature ruby with a garnet rim. The nose shows dried cherry, prune, forest floor, dried leaves and truffle over leather, tobacco and sweet oak spice. On the palate it is medium bodied, fully evolved, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted, with roast meat or game.