Carlos Serres Rioja Gran Reserva 2016

This wine is crafted in the Haro subregion of Rioja Alta, a prestigious area in northern Spain known for producing elegant, age-worthy wines. The vineyards benefit from a continental climate with Atlantic influences, which contribute to the wine's balanced acidity and complex flavours. Haro, as a historic winemaking centre, is celebrated for its traditional approach to Rioja wines, exemplified in the Gran Reserva category.

The blend consists of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo, sourced from the estate-owned Finca El Estanque vineyard. The vines average 35 years in age, yielding grapes of great concentration and character. The wine embodies a classic Rioja Gran Reserva style: elegant, nuanced, and built for extended ageing.

The grapes are hand-harvested in late October. After destemming and gentle pressing, the juice undergoes fermentation in concrete vats, with a maceration period to extract colour and tannins. Fermentation lasts approximately 15 days at a maximum temperature of 32°C. The wine is aged for 24 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels, followed by an additional 36 months in bottle, achieving its complexity and finesse.

The 2016 Gran Reserva displays a vibrant red colour with garnet highlights and brick tones at the rim, indicative of its extended ageing. The nose is complex, offering aromas of ripe black fruits, vanilla, cinnamon, and a distinctive mineral backbone. On the palate, it is velvety smooth and harmonious, with a refreshing finish that balances the richness of its flavours.

This wine pairs exceptionally well with roast meats, game, and aged or blue cheeses. It also complements rich stews and dishes with earthy or umami components​.