Commonly a blend of Viura (aka Macabeo) (51% to 100%) & Malvasia but 9 different grapes are permitted. Dark Yellow with pronounced aromas of peach, ripe apple, pineapple, caramelized honey, candied tarragon, hazelnut & whisky.
Flavors lemon curd, creamed pine nuts, praline, tarragon & lemon zest. Dry but deliciously rich, creamy yet crisp on the palate with moderate alcohol & a long finish of salty & oily minerality.
Oak-aging adds vanilla & baking spices, In recent history aged in American Oak, but historically in French Oak. (Reserva is aged 24 months with 6 months in oak & Gran Reserva is aged 48 months with 6 months in oak.) Great ageing potential that can span decades.
Comes from...
Rioja region, Northern Spain
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