Viña Real Gran Reserva 2016

Viña Real belongs to CVNE in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa, and the brand was launched in the 1920s as one of the area's pioneers of oak ageing. The vineyards slope down toward the old Camino Real that gives the wine its name, sitting on the limestone rich clay soils of the Rioja Alavesa, which hold water and lend the Tempranillo its elegance and freshness. Graciano is added to the blend for acidity, colour and aromatic spice. The wine follows the Gran Reserva path, with 24 months in French and American oak barrels followed by 36 months in bottle before release. The long barrel ageing allows slow oxygen exchange that polishes the tannins and builds tertiary character, while the extended bottle ageing develops the savoury, mellow notes that mark classic Rioja. Expect a garnet colour with bricking at the rim, a nose of mature red fruit, leather, tobacco, vanilla and clove, and a medium bodied palate that is supple and savoury with fine tannin and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant briefly. It is made for roast lamb.