Sierra Cantabria, Rioja Reserva 2018
Sierra Cantabria, Rioja Reserva 2018 is a dry, full-bodied red from Tempranillo (Rioja, Spain), in the rich, smooth reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity moderate; oak influence is heavy. Good with lamb, roast pork, steak, beef stew.
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marques de Murrieta Reserva, Rioja Marqués de Murrieta · Rioja | £27.50 | |||
| Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva Tinto Lopez de Heredia Half 2014 R. Lopez de Heredia · Rioja | £26.00 | |||
| Contino Reserva 2021 Viñedos Del Contino · Rioja | £29.00 | |||
| Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2020 Valenciso · Rioja | £24.54 |
Sierra Cantabria’s 2018 Rioja Reserva is Tempranillo with a bit of swagger. Bright dark-fruit aromas lead into ripe blackberry, blueberry and cherry, with coconut, sweet spice and a lick of vanilla from 18 months in oak. The palate is generous and fleshy, but there’s enough dusty tannin to keep things in check, finishing long with a savoury, spicy edge. The grapes come from the San Vicente de la Sonsierra vineyard, in the heart of Rioja Alta. Ageing is split equally between French and American oak barriques, with 20% new wood and the rest second- and third-fill barrels. That gives you the classic Rioja combination of fruit and oak without drowning the wine in either. A very handy bottle for roast lamb, beef or a proper plate of Manchego and jamón.