Rioja’s Gran Reservas are iconic Spaniards. The Tempranillo grape adds its fine berry fruit and structure to the workhorse grape Garnacha (or Grenache as it is more commonly known outside of Spain). This wine is a 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha blend from vines over half a century old. To be classified as a Gran Reserva, wines need to spend five years ageing before they are sold and this includes a minimum of 2 years in oak and 2 years in the barrel. The Martinez Alesanco family’s Gran Reserva spends 36 months in new oak barrels rounding and softening the wine while adding toasty notes.
There is a purple hue to the fruit and a smoky, chocolate and nutmeg spice to the cherry, berry fruit. With over 8 years age on it already, there is still freshness to the fruit. After this extended ageing regime, it is a rich, yet still elegantly proportioned wine with an earthy, dark chocolate finish with smooth and elegant tannins. It can certainly continue to age in your cellar too, however, it is good drinking now.
Quickie review «Rich, supple with intense chocolate and spice on the finish. A finely grained red that fully deserves the classification Gran Reserva.»
Countryof Origin: Rioja DOC, Spain
Tasting Date: October 2018
Price: UK£24 | Euro16
Drink: now – 7+ years
Needs food: yes
Source: Tasting