Viña Pomal Gran Reserva 2018

Viña Pomal Gran Reserva is a traditional Rioja from Bodegas Bilbaínas, a blend of Tempranillo with a hint of Graciano. The grapes come from predominantly limestone and gravelly soils whose low fertility yields small, concentrated clusters, the vines grown in the old bush-trained gobelet system that limits vigour and exposes the fruit. After destemming and a prolonged maceration to draw out colour and tannin, the wine ages for 36 months in American oak barrels and a further 36 months in bottle. American oak is more porous and gives the open-grained coconut, vanilla and dill character that defines classic Rioja, while the long barrel and bottle ageing softens the tannins and develops the savoury, leathery notes of maturity. It is cherry to garnet in colour with a bright rim. The nose shows red berries, vanilla, tobacco, leather and dried herbs, and the palate is medium to full bodied, supple and elegant, with fine tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, with time in a decanter, alongside roast lamb or aged sheep's cheese.