Tempranillo on its own is a pleasant grape but one that can come across as a bit thin, perhaps acidic, but when you show it an oak barrel it becomes a creamy mouth filling vanilla dominated wine and the longer it has in oak, the more noticeable the change and that’s the key thing with Rioja, time in barrel.
The finest wines from the region are the Gran Reservas which have upwards of 5 years in oak before bottling, while the reservas spend on average 3 years in barrel.
Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva
A very inviting nose of brambly fruits and vanilla leading into a soft, broad palate of ripe fruits, tobacco and toasted oak. The tannins are soft but definitely present and help give a really good mouth feel.
Tescos £11.50
Rioja Reserva Contino (Image: Supplied)
Rioja Reserva Contino
A lush wine dominated by rich warming autumn fruits with notes of cherries and damsons and vanilla spice on the finish.
de-Burgh Wine Merchants £19.99
Dining and Cooking