Rioja Reserva, DOCa Rioja, Spain

TASTING NOTES

Criterion Rioja Reserva exhibits a bright ruby color with a deep purple garnet rim. Rich flavors of black cherry compote, blackberry, and plum fruit are accompanied by leather, tobacco, vanilla and baking spices from very well-integrated oak. This beautifully structured wine is a classic example of Rioja Reserva from an exceptional vintage.

WINEMAKING NOTES

Fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control; maceration for 14 days. Aged for 24 months in American (70%) and French (30%) oak barrels.

THE REGION

The Rioja region is one of the highest quality regions in Spain. The Sierra de Cantabria protects the vines from the harsh rain-bearing winds of the Atlantic as well as producing rich limestone soils allowing for a beautiful terroir resulting in rich and enticing wine. Rioja’s warm 2015 vintage allowed the grapes to ripen enough to maintain structure, balance, and integration with the extended oak aging of the Reserva level wines. This wine is 100% Tempranillo sourced from various sites across the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa sub-regions, perfectly capturing the varying microclimates and expressions of the Tempranillo grapes.

FOOD PAIRING

Our Criterion Rioja pairs well next to a spicy seafood paella or with stuffed Portobello mushrooms.

ABV 13.5%