Region
With nearly 65,000 hectares of vineyard, the region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Rioja is split by three major districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north, which are higher in altitude and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja). Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo are the main red grape varieties used however more international varieties can also be used. The traditional aging classification system gives Rioja wines their distinctive style through the influence of extended ageing in oak barrels.
 
Producer
Bodegas Taron is a cooperative based in the northernmost part of Rioja Alta. The cooperative is made up of four small towns; Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron, Sajazarra, Villaseca and Tirgo. These four towns decided that as they share not only the landscape but their culture too, they would benefit from pooling together their vineyards and knowledge to create one Bodega focussed on creating high quality Rioja`s. Bodegas Taron have 700 hectares of vineyards spread over more than 1000 small plots. Some of the oldest vines are over 100 years old which go into making their premium wine; Cepas Centenarias.
 
Tasting Notes
This Reserva from Bodegas Taron is wonderfully complex and it is all down to the time and care behind the wine, with 24 months in new American oak casks and at least 3 years in the bottle refining before going to the market. The wine is ruby in colour with garnet hues with notes of violets and cherries on the nose. The palate is soft with notes of red cherries, red currants, citrus peel, cinnamon, balsamic and toast. Soft tannins and a naturally fresh acidity due to the northern Alta area, gives structure to the wine which finishes long and complex and an excellent ageing potential.
 
Food
Ideal with roasts, especially game such as pheasant or pigeon, as well as cheese.
 
Media
Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 Gold medal. Tim Atkin awarded 91 points February 2020.