Rioja Reserva 2016 Baron De Chirel Marques de Riscal

The region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines.

Rioja is split by three major districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north, which are higher in altitude and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja).

Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo are the main red grape varieties used however more international varieties can also be used.

The traditional aging classification system gives Rioja wines their distinctive style through the influence of extended ageing in oak barrels.

Barón de Chirel was first made in 1986 as the result of experimental production using a selection of grapes from very old vines, between 80 and 110 year's old with a very low yield and high quality.

The wine is then aged for 20 months in Bordeaux style barrels made of French oak.

Finally, the wine spends a minimum time of a year rounding off in the bottle before being released for sale. 

The resulting wine is a dark cherry colour, lively with few signs of evolution.

High aromatic intensity in which the toasted and spicy aromas from the French oak predominate, together with ripe, dark berried fruit notes.

In the mouth, it is fresh and smooth with soft, polished tannins in which the wood is not too intrusive.

Complex and elegant with a long, balanced finish.