Finca la Empreatriz, Reserva 2009 RP92

One classic Rioja red wine is blended with around 60-70% of Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha to increase the alcohol level and roundness and little amount of Graciano to increase the color and acidity. Sometime white grape – Viura will be blended to hold the color and enhance the aroma of the wine. This wine follows this classic blend but use more portions of Temparanillo (94%) with little amount of Garnacha (3%), Viura (2%) and Graciano (1%)

A ruby red with medium color intensity suggests this wine is not a heavy wine. It is very intense on the nose, with mineral, sweet spices and tobacco with a hint of black fruits and orange peel. It has restrained medium intense in the month with good acidity and medium strength on the palate. This wine had a fruity and mildly spiced finish and long complex aftertaste. You can actually taste that small amount of Viura and Garnacha on the finish and understand what these grapes play the role in this Reserve 2009.

I prefer this wine to pair with light sauce main course such as roast chicken with potato or baked pork loin or sausage.