Muriel Gran Reserva 2016 2014
Rioja Alta, Spain
Tempranillo (100%) · 2014 · 14% abv
Brick red in the glass, this is classic, slow-aged Rioja at its most expressive. Layers of roasted coffee, sweet spice, vanilla and caramel mingle with dried fruits, leather and a whisper of tobacco from long bottle age. Silky, mature tannins wrap around a savoury core, leading to a persistent, velvety finish that lingers long after the glass is empty.
Production
Only produced in exceptional vintages, this Gran Reserva is a study in patience. Fermentation is followed by a lengthy maturation of 30 months in barriques — 75% French oak for structure and spice, 25% American oak for sweetness and creaminess. The wine then spends a further three years ageing in bottle, knitting its many layers together into seamless harmony before release.
Vineyard
Tempranillo from prime sites in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta — where calcareous clay soils, low yields and Atlantic influences shape structure and finesse. These are mature vineyards with naturally low vigour, producing small, concentrated berries that capture both the ripeness of long summers and the freshness preserved by cool night-time temperatures.
Pairing
This is the ideal match for all roast meat, go for traditional recipes with rich sauces. It will work beautifully with mature and smoked cheese but also dark chocolate desserts.
Ecological Credentials
Not specified