Beronia Gran Reserva 2005

SWIC score: 93 (JMG)

Tasting notes: Figs, black pepper, silky, balanced, long.

Available:

ON (VINTAGES 940965 - $ 32.95)

QC (SAQ 11688550 - $ 31.75) vintage 2004

BC (BCLS 200782 - $ 39.99) vintage 2004

Winery: Bodegas Beronia

Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja

Varieties: 90% Tempranillo, 8% Mazuelo, 2% Graciano

Ageing: 27 months in French oak barrels

Alcohol level: 14.0% alc./vol.

Beronia Gran Reserva is a very good example of a Rioja Gran Reserva wine from the traditional Rioja Alta sub region. Mainly made with accurately selected Tempranillo grapes, with a few Mazuelo and Graciano as the necessary complement, it ages for more than 2 years in French oak barrels, and then 3 years in the bottle before being sold. The result is intense, elegant and balanced, and shows what Tempranillo can offer when it’s well vinified. Beronia Gran Reserva is an ideal pairing for red meats, game and cheeses.

Vintage tasted: 2005 (April 2013)