Monday, September 26, 2005

Montecillo Gran Reserva'96, Rioja DOC, Spain



Technical Data:100% Tempranillo from the Rioja DOCa (Rioja Alta to be precise) of Spain. French oak casks used. Spanish Gran Reserva must be aged a minimum of two years in oak barrels and three years in the bottle. Most producers from DO's like Rioja or Priorat only make a G.R. in excellent vintages. So, generally speaking, Spanish Gran Reservas are well-made, mature wines at relatively low prices.

Description:Deep ruby color with a wide salmon/copper rim. Earthy scents coupled to dried cherries, black plums, and figs. Medium body in the mouth very well-balanced.This wine is rich, spicy, intense, flavourful and concentrated, very complex, and extraordinarily lively. Warm and powerful, with notes of pepper and cloves. Thanks to its excellent structure and great tannic strength, it has a very long and persistent finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Food with this wine is a must. Try it with strong and/or funky cheeses, roasted meat, or a slow cooked stew.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$17.98

No comments:

Post a Comment