# Cirsion (2019)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Roda
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Graciano
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €219
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red plum, black cherry, black plum, cloves, chocolate, butter, vanilla, cedar, coffee, leather, dried fruit, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Cirsion is Bodegas Roda's flagship wine, a red wine from Rioja, Spain, made from 88% Tempranillo and 12% Graciano. It is produced exclusively in vintages deemed exceptional. The grapes are sourced from old vines selected for their concentrated flavor profiles. Bodegas Roda, founded in 1987, focuses on modern winemaking while respecting tradition, emphasizing vineyard research and the expression of the vintage. The 2019 vintage was marked by warm, dry weather and low yields, contributing to the wine's depth and intensity. The inclusion of Graciano, which performs well in warmer conditions, adds a layer of complexity.

## Interesting facts

- Cirsion is only produced in exceptional years.
- The 2019 vintage saw low grape yields.
- Graciano's presence is more pronounced in warmer years.
- Only 10,686 bottles of Cirsion 2019 were produced.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and fine tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb and beef, while its complexity can stand up to robust flavors. The wine's structure can cut through the fat of richer dishes, and its fruit notes can harmonize with savory elements.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Cirsion begins with the selection of grapes from old vines. Fermentation occurs in French oak vats with temperature control, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels. The wine then undergoes an eight-month aging period in 100% new French barriques. The 2019 harvest was influenced by warm, dry weather, leading to low yields and concentrated fruit. Bodegas Roda employs a philosophy of meticulous vineyard research and minimal intervention in farming.