Wine in Black 'rioja te quiero'-pakket

Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has aromas of Mission fig, cocoa butter and dried Mediterranean herbs. Opulent tannins offer a backdrop to black-cherry, purple-plum, clove, caramel and crumbled sage-leaf flavors as well as a faint note of mint tea that carries into the enduring finish.

Always a good value Crianza, this is a cuvée of Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano from a range of vineyards in the Rioja Alta sub-region. Marked by its 80% American oak, it has appealing aromas of sweet spices and desiccated coconut, vibrant acidity and layers of bramble and black cherry.

Lovely finesse and balance to this red, with berries, light vanilla and dried flowers. Medium body, creamy tannins and a bright finish.

Youthful it may be for a Reserva, but this is a very well-balanced, forward expression of
Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. Aged in a 70/30 mix of American
and French oak, it's bright and sweet, with chalky undertones and succulent raspberry and
red cherry fruit.

De mooi gerijpte 'Le Altanza Único' van Bodegas Altanza is een fascinerende crianza: zijn verscheidenheid aan aroma’s van rijp donker fruit, subtiele kruiden en een vleugje eikenhout deden ons bij de eerste slok al versteld staan!

A pleasing, and subtle combination of oiled leather, violet blossoms, spiced pomegranates and dark chocolate lift from the glass and fill the mouth with flavor. A long, stimulating finish completes a satisfying wine meant to enjoy alongside a meal. — Elaine Chukan Brown

Het wijnhuis dateert uit de tijd dat de regio Rioja een ongekende opmars doormaakte – mede dankzij de intensieve uitwisseling met Frankrijk. Daar kwam Charles Serres vandaan, die zich later Carlos noemde en zijn bodega in Haro oprichtte. De stijl van zijn 'Gran Reserva' is nog steeds een schoolvoorbeeld van een typische rioja.

The very classical 2016 Gran Reserva comes with a very traditional label (they seem to have changed the image of most wines), including the golden wire net. It was produced with a selection of grapes from their El Estanque estate in Haro, a canonical 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in French and American oak barrels for two years and was kept in bottle for another three. It has a textbook spicy nose with sweet spices, smoke and toast, berry fruit and herbs, a touch of forest floor and truffles, with a moderate 13.5% alcohol and balancing freshness. 47,200 bottles produced. It was bottled in 2021.

The scent of black cherry, tobacco leaf and chocolate sets the scene for flavors of red currant, raspberry, mocha, cherry pipe tobacco and a touch of eucalyptus. Sinewy tannins are offset by brilliant acidity that endures on the tongue and gums.