Viña Alarde Rioja Gran Reserva 2017/18

Gran Reserva is the crème de la crème of Rioja. It’s the level of Rioja which experiences the most oak ageing – giving it the most structure and ageing potential. This is aged for three years in oak casks which gives it delicious coconut spice – it then spends a further three years in bottle. Such care and attention usually adds up to a big price tag, but this is a real steal. The lengthy ageing process makes for a flavoursome wine with both fresh and dried-fruit flavours. Think cherry, strawberry and cranberry. Smooth. Full. Lusciously spicy. It’s delicious with a roast dinner.