Taron Reserva Rioja alta 2015/2016

ABV 13.5%

Region
The region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Much Rioja is blended from three districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja) and uses Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo red grape varieties and the diminishing influence of extended ageing in oak barrels.

Producer
Bodegas Taron is a cooperative based in the northernmost part of Rioja Alta. The cooperative is made up of four small towns; Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron, Sajazarra, Villaseca and Tirgo. These four towns decided that as they share not only the landscape but their culture too, they would benefit from pooling together their vineyards and knowledge to create one Bodega focussed on creating high quality Rioja`s. Bodegas Taron have 700 hectares of vineyards spread over more than 1000 small plots. Some of the oldest vines are over 100 years old which go into making their premium wine; Cepas Centenarias.

Tasting Notes
This Reserva from Bodegas Taron spends a year in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to American oak casks for 14 months. This allows the wine to settle before ageing in barrel. The result is a wonderfully complex Reserva with fantastic ageing potential thanks to the naturally high acidity that occurs in wines from this northern Rioja Alta area. The wine is ruby in colour with garnet hues with notes of violets and cherries on the nose. The palate is soft with notes of red cherries, red currants, citrus peel, cinnamon, balsamic and toast. Soft tannins and a fresh acidity gives structure to the wine which finishes long and complex.

Food
Ideal with roasts, especially game such as pheasant or pigeon, as well as cheese.

Media
Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 Gold medal.