Trasnocho 2019

Trasnocho is a fruit-forward Rioja from Remírez de Ganuza, a producer known for its meticulous selection. The blend is roughly 90 percent Tempranillo with Graciano and a small amount of the white grapes Viura and Malvasía. The fruit comes from old vineyards averaging around 60 years of age, where low yields from mature vines give deep colour and concentration. The harvest is done by hand into small 12 kilogram boxes so the grapes arrive intact and unbruised, which protects fresh aromatics before vinification. The wine ages 20 months in French oak barrels, a tight-grained wood that lends cedar, fine spice and a slow, gentle oxygenation that rounds the tannins while the ripe fruit holds the centre. At 14.5 percent it is full and generous without losing its Rioja freshness. It is deep cherry red with a dense rim. The nose shows black cherry, plum and red berries with liquorice, vanilla and tobacco. The palate is full bodied and structured, with ripe fruit, fine firm tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting ahead, with grilled or roast red meat.