2010 Beronia Gran Reserva ($29.99)
The Rioja region of Spain is famous for its wine that are based on Tempranillo. This Gran Reserva offering from Beronia is comprised of 97% Tempranillo with 3% Graciano.
Tempranillo means "little early one", a name given to it by Spanish growers who observed its habit of ripening early. Graciano's intense aroma makes the variety very popular with winemakers who know that its presence is felt even when used in small volumes.
The very finest of the Rioja wines are the Gran Reservas. They must undergo a total of five years aging, of which at least two years is spent in oak. This one from Beronia spent 28 months in French oak barrels and another 36 months of aging in the bottle.
The aroma of this Beronia Gran Reserva includes dark fruits, such as currant, plum and licorice. There is also a hint of wood. On the palate its got blackcurrants and black cherries, prunes, chocolate and hints of earthiness and tobacco.
While being a deep, dark maroon color, this wine is lighter than you might expect. It’s a medium-bodied wine with subtle tannin and an easy finish.
If you can find this 2010 Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja, pick up a couple of bottles. Open one now and stick the other one away for a while. It will get even better. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster on behalf of González Byass