Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva 2015, DOCa Rioja

85% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha Tinta, 7% Graciano. Special selection of 35-50 year-old vineyards with some parcels in Rioja Alta that are 65-85 years old. Very low yields with a maximum of 33 hl/ha and less than 15 hl/ha in those parcels that are 65 years plus. The Tempranillo comes from vineyards planted at various altitudes (400-620 metres above sea level) from different zones within the Cenicero boundary, Elciego and Laguardia, which confer complexity. The Garnacha Tinta is selected from vineyards located in Rioja Alta, specifically Cenicero and Najera, with respective altitudes of 650m and 500m, so as to achieve finesse, freshness and, at the same time, good structure. The Graciano is selected mainly in Elciego, where the grapes offer unique character: exquisiteness, style, brio and color. The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed. Alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperatures, starting off at 10 degrees C to reach 28 degrees C. Prolonged alcoholic maceration with the skins up to 30 days to extract more color, aromas and tannic structure. Malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels or in stainless-steel tanks, depending on the batches. Once this process has finalized, the wines are put into barrels for ageing with racking every 6 months. Intense color with ruby-red on the edge turning slightly brick-red. The bouquet combines stewed fruit, purple plums, balsamic notes and refined oak with a depth of clove. Nice body in the mouth where mature tannins delight with fresh, lively notes to give a silky fullness. Long-lasting flavors and superb potential for ageing.

$38.99