Viña Monty Garnacha Reserva 2016

Montecillo, founded in 1870 and the third oldest winery in Rioja, makes Viña Monty Garnacha Reserva from the warmer, lower-lying parishes of the Rioja appellation, where Garnacha Tinta ripens fully and gives generous red fruit and softer tannin than Tempranillo. The 2016 wine spends 26 months in oak barrels followed by 20 months in bottle before release, the long élevage that defines the Reserva category. Extended barrel ageing allows slow oxygen exchange through the wood, softening the tannins and drawing vanilla, clove and sweet spice from the oak, while the bottle time lets the fruit settle and integrate. The result is a medium to full-bodied red, deep ruby with a garnet rim. The nose leads with ripe red cherry and raspberry, vanilla and a developing leather and dried-herb savouriness. The palate is rounded and warm at 13.5 percent, the fruit framed by fine oak tannin and a gentle acidity that keeps it fresh through a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a large bowled glass. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged Spanish cheeses.