Wine of the Month: Heras Cordon

This month we continue our exploration of wines from Rioja Alavesa: Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada 2018

FTR Wine Heras Cordon NV22Heras Cordón is a winery steeped in the winemaking history of a Rioja and remains a family business. We tried the Vendimia Seleccionada in a bar in Logroño with grilled mushrooms. Carefully laboured by the talented Alexandra Schmedes, this is a 13-month Crianza in American Oak barrels, made mostly from Tempranillo grapes from old vines, with 10% of Graciano and 10% Mazuelo.

The grapes are sourced from the villages of Laguardia, Elciego and Lapuebla at some 550 meters above sea level, mostly from south facing slopes.

The wine is vibrant intense cherry red, though on the rim it looks young. On the nose, sweet red fruits, with a touch aromatic, like chamomile and sandalwood. Pastry aromas vanilla and cocoa, and a note of coffee.

The palate is medium weight, elegant and silky, marked by flavours of red fruits such as raspberry and plum, intermingled with chocolate and fine roasted notes.

Good structure and good balance between tannins, fruit and acidity. The aftertaste is long and lively, persistent with hints of ripe red fruit.

Altogether a balanced, succulent, well-structured and intense wine. Soft and silky but robust. Try it with Grilled red meat; vegetable stew; Tagines

88-90 Bruja points.€10.0-13.0. Mail order from www.riojawine.shop, Bodeboca or vivino.

(News/Wine Column)

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